Magazine for Rural Development
Published by: INFONOVA Mitja Tripković s.p. 64 Goriška cesta, 5279 Ajdovščina mitja.infoburja@siol.net, +386 (0)5 36 71 501
Volume 2, June, 2014
European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development - Europe Investing in Rural Areas - Project co-funded by the EU
European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development - Europe Investing in Rural Areas - Project co-funded by the EU
The GlasNIK Project is partly financed by the European Union under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, the Leader approach. The Managing Authority of the Rural Development Programme of the Republic of Slovenia for the period 2007-2013 is the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food. INFONOVA, Mitja Tripković s.p., holds the responsibility for the contents of the GlasNIK magazine.
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FRUIT GROWING
Glasnik no.2, 20.6.2014
Sunny–Juicy
Vipava Valley Fruit Trademark
The Sunny–Juicy project can be followed also on the webpage www.soncno-socno.si where more information on the trademark can be found and detailed presentations of fruit varieties and local fruit producers are given. The project draw attention also of other municipalities in the Lower Vipava Valley (e.g. Nova Gorica) and most probably all of them will join the project very soon. The need for a collective, visible and recognizable Vipava Valley trademark is strong, On the initiative of local fruit growers, the Municipality of Ajdovščina launched the development of a trademark for fruit produced in the Vipava Valley. A visual identity, including an attractive logo and a catchy slogan Sunny–Juicy (Sončno– sočno) was designed and launched on the market. The graphic image and the designing were financed by the Municipalities of Vipava and Ajdovščina and partly by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. The visual identity was soon upgraded with a unique fruit packaging and a promotional brochure presenting the Vipava Valley fruit. In the last five years over 100,000 boxes were sold, meaning the fruit packaging was welcomed and very well received among the fruit growers. Both municipalities of the Upper Vipava Valley strongly support their local fruit growers, also financially, co-financing the purchase of the trademark fruit boxes. Additional measure to promote and boost the trademark visibility and thus the visibility of local fruit growers is the Farmers’ Market offering locally made products. The Market takes place each month on the second Sunday, nearby the Ajdovščina market.
however, increasingly strong grows the wish for a Vipava Valley trademark covering not only fruit products, but the entire tourist offer of the Vipava Valley. A Vipava Valley collective tourist offer is the next ambitious goal. As this sort of collaboration is in line with the EU vision, much hope is put on additional support from European financial mechanisms.
FRUIT GROWING
Glasnik no.2, 20. 6. 2014
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Brje Educational Center and Fruit Processing Facility
Best suited empty public building to be turned into a food processing facility turned out to be the abandoned school in the village of Brje in the Vipava Hills. The renovation and adaption works were launched in 2013 and just recently finished, now the procurement and installation of technological equipment for fruit processing follows. According to the plans, the Brje Educational Centre and Fruit Processing Facility will be opened to visitors in March 2015. The equipment will enable fruit processing, fruit drying and bottling, giving the fruit growers to produce juices, marmalades and dried fruits. In addition to fruit processing the Centre will also hold seminars and practical trainings in technological fruit processing and equipment use. Despite this, the Centre will be open to suggestions and adapt its programme to
UČNI CENTER BRJE A few year ago, on the initiative of the local communities and local fruit growers the Municipality of Ajdovščina launched a project for the establishment of a fruit processing facility and started developing plans for its realization. Together with LAG (Local Action Group of the Upper Vipava Valley and the Komen Karst), the Municipality drafted a project proposal and raised nearly 200,000 euros from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. Additional 120,000 euros were provided by the Municipality of Ajdovščina. Altogether approximately 320,000 euros was enough to make the food processing facility a reality.
RAMPA IN VHOD-predelava sadja
HLADILNICA
PODAJALNIK
PRELEC STEKLENIC
RAZKOŠČIČEVALEC
GALERIJA
MOKRA PRIPRAVA
PRALEC LUPILEC
VHODtrgovina
SUŠILEC SADJA
NAGIBNA TRANSPORTNA VERIGA Z MLINOM TRAČNA STISKALNICA EBP350
ZAPIRALEC STEKLENIC (PULT-VOZIČEK)
PREDELAVA SADJA
WC
POLNILEC STEKLENIC
SOD INOX 500l
SOD INOX 500l
TLORIS PRITLIČJA
VHOD-dom
the needs and interests of local fruit growers. Although the Centre will be placed Brje, its target audience is much wider, encompassing fruit growers from the municipalities of Ajdovščina, Vipava and Komen. Besides food processing, the Centre premises will be at disposal also to local cultural, social and other associations, enabling promotion and social cohesion.
UČNI CENTER BRJE
RAMPA IN VHOD-predelava sadja
HLADILNICA
PODAJALNIK
Polonca Valentinčič PRELEC STEKLENIC
RAZKOŠČIČEVALEC
GALERIJA
MOKRA PRIPRAVA PRALEC LUPILEC
VHODtrgovina
PREDELAVA SADJA
WC
SUŠILEC SADJA
NAGIBNA TRANSPORTNA VERIGA Z MLINOM TRAČNA STISKALNICA EBP350
SKLADIŠČE IZDELKOV
POLNILEC STEKLENIC
TRGOVINAINFO TOČKA
ZAPIRALEC STEKLENIC (PULT-VOZIČEK)
PRIPRAVA
PLINSKI PASTERIZATOR PA500
SKLADIŠČE IZDELKOV
PLINSKI PASTERIZATOR PA500
TRGOVINAINFO TOČKA
PRIPRAVA
SOD INOX 500l
SOD INOX 500l
TLORIS PRITLIČJA
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FRUIT GROWING
Glasnik no.2, 20.6.2014
Vipava Valley Cherries
tions to promote Vipava Valley cherries among consumers countrywide as well as worldwide. He gathered over 40 cherry producers from the Vipava Valley and initiated the establishment and organization of the Cherry Festival which was first held in 2013. The Cherry Festival, among other activities, awards prizes for best cultivated cherry orchard, for biggest cherry fruit and for heaviest cherry fruit. Bogdan took the first place for best cultivated cherry orchard in the 2013 and the 2014 Cherry Festival as well as the first place for heaviest cherry fruit in 2014 for his 18 gram cherry.
Vienna in the past, Hong Kong in the present In the past, fruit trading routes between the Vipava Valley and Vienna were well established and flourishing. Cherries produced in the Vipava Valley were highly appreciated and were exported to the capital Vienna on a large scale. Exporting to Vienna seemed inconceivable at that time and most considered it as over ambitious, but despite its immense dimension, it came true and fruit exporting to Vienna was flourishing for decades. Today, exporting fruit to Hong Kong sounds crazy, but so did the Vienna story back
It is a fact that the traditional fruit grown in the Vipava Valley are cherries. But why are the cherries grown in the Gorizia Hills better known than the Vipava Valley cherries? The answer is better promotion.
Cherry Festival in Lokavec A cherry producer, Bogdan Slokar, from the village of Lokavec decided to take acthen. Can Hong Kong become the modern Vienna story? In 2013 the Festival hosted a potential cherry buyer from Hong Kong who disclosed great interested in Vipava Valley cherries, indeed in large amounts of Vipava Valley cherries. This, however, demands that all cherry producers from the Vipava Valley join their forces and start trading their cherries together. In this perspective, the idea of selling Vipava Valley cherries to Hong Kong does not sound so silly anymore, does it?
Sunny–Juicy Trademark The basis for a joint trade of the Vipava Valley cherries is already made – the Sunny–Juicy Trademark. Its aim is the promotion of fruit products produced in the Vipava Valley under one trademark,
FRUIT GROWING
Glasnik no.2, 20. 6. 2014
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SLOKAR
under one label, under one slogan and in a uniform and attractive packaging. The purchase of these boxes increases total costs for a few cents, but, according to Bogdan, it is a risk worth while. The effect on the customer is seen instantly, the cherries stay fresh and the loading and unloading is much easier.
Slokar Cherry Orchard Bogdan’s cherry orchard is located in the village of Lokavec and encompasses 14 cherry varieties, each of them covering a certain period of ripening, altogether 6 weeks. He cultivates 50 to 60 trees of each cherry variety, amounting to approximately 800 cherry trees altogether.
In addition to cherry sale, Bogdan also holds orchard tours for visitors. Although it does not sound attractive at first, the interactive and animated tour is in fact very interesting. While leading visitors through the orchard, Bogdan provides an in-depth explanation and presentation of the cherry in all its aspects. He presents the entire process of cherry growing, provides explanations and demonstrates cherry tree cultivation and pruning, orchard fertilizing and spraying, describes and shows the differences between various cherry varieties, characterizes substances contained in the cherry fruit, illustrates it beneficial factors and much more. Bogdan is an enthusiastic cherry grower with original ideas and innovative ap-
Name: Bogdan Slokar Address: 175 A Lokavec, 5270 AjdovĹĄÄ?ina Mobile Phone: +386 (0)41 376 080 E-Mail: bogdanslokar62@gmail.com Fruit Types: cherries (600 trees) Fruit Products: juice, liqueur, spirits Sale: on farm, to cooperatives, to retailers, home delivery proaches to growing and trading his products. His effort and support for the Vipava Valley cherry recognition and trademark reveals his love for cherries and the Valley, which will surely be rewarded sometime in the future.
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FRUIT GROWING
Glasnik no.2, 20.6.2014
Hmelakovi Farm
HMELAKOVI FARM Name: Vladimir Hmeljak Address: 42 Šmarje, 5295 Branik Mobile Phone: +386 (0)41 803 726 Fruit Types: cherries (70 trees) Sale: on farm, on markets
The village of Šmarje, placed in the Vipava Hills on the southern brink of the Vipava Valley, is known for exquisite wine, sheep cheese and honey. It is home to the well known 19th century wine and fruit growing expert, Matija Vertovec, as well as to the Hmelakovi Farm. The Hmelakovi Farm is run by Vladimir Hmeljak who decided to follow his family’s cherry growing tradition, though in much greater extent. He now cultivates 70
cherry trees, which were all planted anew in the 1990s. Vladimir sells his produce on the farm, usually to his regular customers. In the past he was selling it also on the markets in Ljubljana and other towns across the country, but abandoned this practice due to complex bureaucracy and enormous paperwork. Cherry growing is a demanding business and Vladimir is constantly faced with various difficulties. Porous soil and severe droughts were first successfully tackled with a new irrigation system. Diseases
and parasites are much greater issue and are not as easy to combat. In order to prevent them attacking and damaging the trees and the fruit, Vladimir sprays his trees three times per season, sometimes successfully, sometimes not. Despite his years, Vladimir does all the work in the orchards by himself, except in the harvest time when all his family and friends gather and help pick cherries. Who will follow his and his family’s tradition of cherry growing is unfortunately unknown, for no one in his family is interested. “Perhaps my grandson when he grows up,” hopefully adds Vladimir.
FRUIT GROWING
Glasnik no.2, 20. 6. 2014
Iunkavi Farm
IUNKAVI FARM
Name: Valentin Kompara Address: 97 Lokavec, 5270 Ajdovščina Phone: +386 (0)5 36 42 282 Mobile Phone: +386 (0)41 991 201 Fruit Types: cherries (110 trees) Sale: on farm, home delivery The village of Lokavec, situated at the foothills of Mount Čaven and only a few kilometres north of the town of Ajdovščina, is a home to the Iunkavi Farm. Run by Valentin and Primož Kompara, the Farm focuses solely on cherry growing, although the estate encompasses also some plum, fig, apple, apricot and pear trees, which are only for home consumption. In the past, however, the Farm engaged also in wine growing and cattle breeding. The cherry production is registered as integrated, meaning the Kompara Farm
sprays their trees against diseases and parasites, however, with very minimal quantities. “It doesn’t go without sprayings” says Valentin. “No spray, no cherries.” Valentin and Primož, father and son, a great duet, which reflects in high quality fruit, satisfied customers and sold out stocks of fruit. Valentin’ valuable experience and Primož’s energetic spirit and creativity combine perfectly and make up for a success story titled the Iunkavi Farm.
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FRUIT GROWING
Kobal Farm
Glasnik no.2, 20.6.2014
The Kobal Farm, located in the heart of the village of Vrhpolje, is known for its rich history and tradition of fruit and wine growing. In late 19th and early 20th century the Kobal family fully engaged in cherry and wine trade, exporting their fruits to Vienna and even Prague. Today, the Kobal Farm engages in several farming activities, namely in wine, vegetable and fruit growing, but focusing mostly on the latter two. Alojz Kobal and his son Tomaž run the Farm, dividing the work and responsibilities according to their skills and knowledge. Tomaž, a professional horticulturist, dedicates his time to peaches (700 trees), apricots (560 trees) and the new cherry orchard (160 trees), whereas Alojz, an experienced farmer, focuses on the old cherry orchard (100 trees), vineyard (1.5 ha), chestnut plantation (1 ha), asparaguses (3,600) and vegetables (onions, garlic, pumpkins).
KOBAL FARM
Name: Alojz Kobal Address: 40 Vrhpolje, 5271 Vipava Phone: +386 (0)5 36 65 474 Mobile Phone: +386 (0)31 339 449 E-Mail: kmetija.kobal@gmail.com Fruit Types: cherries (260 trees), apricot (560 trees), peaches (700 trees), chestnuts (1 hectare) Sale: on farm, on markets, to cooperatives, to retailers, home delivery
Their produce is being sold mostly on the
Farm to regular customers, which are increasing year by year. Some of it is regularly sold to two grocery stores in the Idrija region and on markets in the towns of Postojna, Idrija and Vipava. Furthermore, the Kobal Farm hopes to see the planned reopening of the agricultural cooperative in Vipava come true, as it would come especially handy for their surplus of peaches. “Farming nowadays is much harder than it used to be,” says Alojz a bit pessimistically, but Tomaž sees great prospects in fruit growing. “A farmer has to adapt to the market, to look for better possibilities, to seek new ways and to keep learning.”
Glasnik no.2, 20. 6. 2014
Terbižan Farm
FRUIT GROWING
TERBIŽAN FARM
The village of Planina, situated in the Vipava Hilles on the southern brink of the Vipava Valley, is well known for its wine and fruit growing tradition. The sunlit slopes, flysch soil and bora wind make up favourable conditions for grapes, cherries, apricots and other fruits. The Terbižan Farm made great use of these conditions and predispositions.
Farm produces also other fruit products, namely juices and jams. “It’s a market niche,” claims Marjan, and thus additional fruit processing premises are planned to be established on the Farm. They sell their products to private customers all across the country, a greater amount of products is sold also to wine shops and stores in the Zasavje region.
The Terbižan Farm used to engage in wine growing and cattle breeding, but has been dedicated to cherry production for more than 16 years now. In 2009, when Marjan Terbižan was made redundant due to his health problems, the Terbižan family decided to take on apricot production as well. In addition to 11,000 grape vines, they now cultivate 270 cherry trees and more than 300 apricot trees which give about 18,000 litres of wine, 3 tonnes of cherries and 2 tonnes of apricots annually.
Their wine and fruit growing business is going well, for they sell everything they produce. But despite that, they have to take into account the unpredictable nature of the weather and the nature, which “sometimes gives and sometimes takes,” says Marjan. Although the Terbižan Farm is registered as an integrated production farm and spraying would decrease these risks, Marjan does not support it and limits spraying to the most necessary varieties. And apparently it works, for the demand for their products is high.
In addition to wine and fruit, the Terbižan
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Name: Marjan Terbižan Address: 74 Planina, 5270 Ajdovščina Phone: +386 (0)5 36 42 599 Mobile Phone: +386 (0)41 345 418 E-Mail: terbizan.marjan@ gmail.com Fruit Types: cherries (270 trees), apricots (more than 300 trees) Fruit Products: apricot juice, jam Sale: on farm, to cooperatives, to retailers, home delivery
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Koron Farm
Glasnik no.2, 20.6.2014
The Koron Farm engages in wine, fruit and field crop growing. They cultivate 9 hectares of vineyards, representing the greatest portion of their farming activities, and orchards with 250 cherry trees, 2,000 peach trees, 300 apricot trees, 300 khaki trees and 100 plum trees. In addition to that, they also grow several varieties of field crops, namely potato, onion, maize, wheat and barley. The production on the Farm is integrated and certified as such. The Farm annually produces 3 to 4 tonnes of cherries, 50 to 60 tonnes of peaches, 900 kilograms of khakis and a smaller amount of plums. Apricots have not yet been harvested since the apricot trees were just recently planted. In addition to that, they also process a portion of their fruits, resulting in various jams and juices. Their 100 % peach juice, which is completely natural, uncooked and has no added sugar, was awarded with golden prize at the Delicacies of Slovenian Farms event, whereas their peach jam and plum jam were awarded with silver.
The village of Brje, placed in the Vipava Hills overlooking the Vipava Valley and the Branica Valley, is known for its rich wine and fruit growing tradition. One of the fruit growing farms there is also the Koron Farm run by Milojka and Borut.
Despite the excellency of fruit and fruit products, high quality is not enough, the products also need to be sold. They sell a portion of their products at their two stores located country-wide, namely in the village of Žabnica and in the town of Celje. They manage their fruit trade, marketing and promotion on their own and apparently quite successfully, since the demand for their products is greater than their supply.
KORON FARM
Name: Borut Koron Address: 73 A Brje, 6263 Dobravlje Mobile Phone: +386 (0)40 620 866 E-Mail: koron@siol.net Fruit Types: cherries (2,000 trees), peaches (2,000 trees), plums (100 trees), khakis (300 trees), apricots (300 trees) The Koron family is innovative, enthusiastic and energetic, but most importantly with a clear vision and big plans for the future.
FRUIT GROWING
Glasnik no.2, 20. 6. 2014
Štor Farm
ŠTOR FARM The village of Cesta, located in the very heart of the Vipava Valley, just 3 kilometres west of the town of Ajdovščina, is a home to the Štor Farm. The Farm encompassing 400 peach and 100 cherry trees is run by Bruna and Stojan and is certified as integrated fruit production farm. They sell their produce mostly to their regular customers, many of which come from the capital Ljubljana. Fruit can be home delivered, although many customers decide to pick their fruit themselves and try themselves out in farming for an hour or two.
The Štor Farm is a small farm, and Bruna and Stojan are very well aware of that. Their quantities of fruit are not large enough to make a living, but they do not mind that at all. “We love working in the orchards with fruit trees and seeing a happy customer is enough,” says Bruna.
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Name: Bruna Štor Address: 35 B Cesta, 5270 Ajdovščina Phone: +386 (0)5 36 47 772 Mobile Phone: +386 (0)31 848 124, +386 (0)51 219 227 E-Mail: storbruna@gmail.com Fruit Types: cherries (100 trees), peaches (400 trees) Sale: on farm, home delivery
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FRUIT GROWING
Stibilj Farm
Glasnik no.2, 20.6.2014
confluence of the Vipava and Hubelj Rivers. The Stibilj siblings, Ivan and Marija, run the Farm, each focusing on their field of expertise – Ivan on fruit production, Marija on fruit processing. Their farm extends over 3 hectares and encompasses a wide range of fruit varieties, namely 124 cherry trees, 24 plum trees, 30 peach trees, 95 nashi trees, 200 khaki trees, 45 apple trees and 400 vines. In addition to that the Stibiljs grow also vegetables, but in much smaller quantities. The grown fruits are processed and result in a varied series of juices, jams, stewed fruits, compotes, dried fruits, vinegar and other fruit products. All Stibilj products are 100 percent natural with no preservatives and no added sugar, except small quantities of sugar added to jams. Most of their fruit is organically pro-
The Stibilj Farm is located in the village of Ustje, in a small village situated at the foothills of the Vipava Hills right at the
STIBILJ FARM
Name: Ivan Stibilj Address: 71 Ustje, 5270 Ajdovščina Phone: +386 (0)5 36 81 486 Mobile Phone: +386 (0)40 725 451 Fruit Types: cherries (124 trees), plums (24 trees), peaches (30 trees), nashis (95 trees), khakis (200 trees), apples (45 trees), table grapes Fruit Products: juice (cherry, peach, nashi, grape, apple), khaki jam Sale: on farm, in market, to cooperatives, to retailers, home delivery
duced and truly exquisite which was also officially recognized with two prestigious Quality Marks. Their fruit products are mainly sold to retailers and private customers, but can also be home delivered on request. In the past the local cooperative was their main client, but it went under, and the Stibiljs had to find new markets for their fruit products. Although Ivan and Marija’s fruit production is certified as integrated production, it is in fact completely organic, with the small exception of cherries. Despite the demanding cherry growing, they strive for organic production of all their fruit on the farm and are focused on turning this into a reality soon in the future.
Glasnik no.2, 20. 6. 2014
Fortunat Cellar The Fortunat Cellar is located in the village of Planina, lying on the verge of the Karst Plateau and at the same time on the brink of the Vipava Valley. The combination of flysch and limestone together with the bora wind and sunny slopes make up a unique microclimate and conditions for fruit growing.
Peter Marc, the head of the Fortunat Cellar, engages in a wide spectre of farm activities, namely in poultry breeding and fruit as well as wine growing. Peter keeps 20,000 head of poultry, cultivates 3 hectares of vineyards (14,000 vines) and grows apricots (1,700). With that amount
FRUIT GROWING
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of apricot trees is Peter the biggest apricot producer in Slovenia, which is not that surprising. Since apricots are very delicate and demanding to grow, mainly due to high risk of frost, diseases, parasites and drought, fruit growers leave apricot growing only to the boldest farmers. In addition to apricots, Peter also produces apricot spirits, but only in smaller quantities. The fruit and fruit products are sold on the farm and all across Slovenia to regular customers, however, in case of orders of larger quantities, it can also be home delivered.
Due to a range of curative substances, apricot is considered a super-fruit. Apricots are rich in vitamin C, carotene, minerals, iron, potassium and calcium and are highly recommended against anemia. And to top it all, apricot pits are rich in vitamin B17, which is a scientifically proved natural killer of cancer cells.
FORTUNAT CELLAR
Name: Peter Marc Address: 96 Planina, 5270 AjdovĹĄÄ?ina Mobile Phone: +386 (0)41 595 128 Fruit Types: apricots (1,650 trees) Fruit Products: spirits Sale: on farm, to cooperatives, to retailers, home delivery
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FRUIT GROWING
Glasnik no.2, 20.6.2014
Five Fruits a Day Keep the Doctor Away Throughout the history, fruit has played an important role in people’s everyday life and has always symbolized health. According to experts, 5 types of fruit should be consumed on a daily basis. The diet should include red, white, yellow, orange, blue or purple and green types of fruit. It is recommended that adults consume up to 200 grams of various raw fruit types and additional 200 grams of vegetables.
Fruit types and their values Cherries: rich in minerals, low in calories and sugar Strawberries: rich in vitamin C, prevent arthritis Apricots: rich in vitamin A, anti-ageing substances, against exhaustion and stress Peaches: low in calories, good for kidneys, digestion and sleep Currants: rich in minerals, increase appetite, against arthritis and dermatological problems Pears: rich in minerals, against anemia, constipation, arthritis and rheumatism Grapes: rich in calories, against constipation and liver problems Figs: rich in sugar and calories, good for stress relief, against constipation and respiratory problems Plums: good for digestion, against constipation, depression, anemia and kidney problems Apples: rich in vitamins and pectin, good for digestion, against kidney stones and ulcer Kiwi: rich in vitamin C and enzymes, low in calories, good for anemia and stress relief Khaki: rich in sugar, against constipation and liver problems