Indeed, over the past few decades there has been a sharp decrease in arable crop production at higher altitudes, with "highly-bred" varieties from abroad introduced instead. Established local varieties, which are particularly well adapted to local conditions and elevations, are to be preserved to counter this trend. The local population is being asked to provide information on or make available old planting and seed stock or to indicate the locations of old apple trees. Experts can then examine the samplings, collect the seed stock and conduct scientific experiments including germination tests. The Laimburg Experimental Station in southern Tyrol/I, the Tyrol Chamber of Agriculture/A and other project partners are all co-operating in the venture.
Source and information: South Tyrol Press Office 15.07.2003, www.provinz.bz.it/LPA/news/news_d (de)