Erich Stekovics

[amideutch]

Has anybody heard of him? Came across his name in a magazine which also mentions this site in Austria which is their equivilant to our SSE. www.arche-noah.at
Heres an article about Erich Steckovics. Ami
Erich Stekovics, Austrian organic vegetable farmer:

"Wealth of biodiversity – the unbelievable story of 3,000 varieties of tomato"



In his rousing presentation, the farmer from Frauenkirchen, Austria described how he built up his niche business in organic farming and careful production of foodstuffs. On his quest for lost flavours, he succeeded impressively in exploiting the trend towards a more natural lifestyle.



The future of the food industry lies in a move "back to nature". Former churchman Stekovics grows 3,000 varieties of "Paradeiser" (tomatoes), which he then makes into tasty sauces and preserves, among other things, at his own factory. The vegetable farmer purchases most of his seeds from Arche Noah, an Austrian association for the preservation of ancient crops.



When Stekovics first started off in organic farming, most of his customers came to him out of curiosity. Today, his customer base consists of top chefs, amateur gardeners and consumers looking for a "taste of childhood". Interest in his work was so great that he had to think up a customer strategy: "I looked for customers as I would look for friends. I want consumers to devote a lot of time to me."



Every day, he takes customers on three- to four-hour tours through his fields, during which they can eat as much of his produce as they like. For Stekovics, a true customer is someone who takes this time. "We talk to the consumers, train their taste buds, teach them a great deal. I want to make my consumers into experts", he says. He gives his customers stories to tell along with his products.



The plants are not watered and develop large root bales, which clearly does a lot for the taste. In this "Paradieser paradise", once a year a vote is held to select the "Tomato of the year". The winning plants are sold as seedlings the following year. This part of the business is also a success.



The export share stands at 80%, with most exports going to Italy and Germany. The products are available from specialized stockists, including Munich-based delicatessen Dallmayr and a German Internet partner. Swiss customs requirements limit the company's business with its neighbour to the west.