In the new greenhouse in Geinberg, Upper Austria, the geothermal energy is already used in the village for CO2-neutral heating. This makes it possible to harvest Ja! Natürlich tomatoes, cucumbers and pointed peppers regionally even during the colder months from the beginning of March to the beginning of November - without any additional burden on the climate. And the highest Ja! Natürlich standards such as soil health through crop rotation and plant composting are also ensured throughout the greenhouse.
"Until now, Austrian organic vegetables from Ja! Natürlich were only available during the summer months, as the high energy demand was not compatible with the sustainable standards of Ja! Natürlich's sustainable standards. But this greenhouse cannot be compared to conventional glass houses. On the one hand, because the heat for heating can be obtained from the earth in a CO2-neutral way and no new drilling is necessary for this. On the other hand, the plants in Geinberg are grown in the fertile soil of the region. In contrast to conventional greenhouses, where the roots are supplied via a nutrient-rich substrate," explains Ja! Natürlich Managing Director and agricultural expert Andreas Steidl. In the darkest months of the year, December and January, no harvest is possible, as Ja! Natürlich deliberately does not use energy-intensive artificial lighting. "From spring to autumn, you can now find Ja! Natürlich tomatoes, cucumbers and pointed peppers from the organic farm in Upper Austria on the shelves of BILLA, BILLA Plus and ADEG without compromising on the high Ja! Natürlich organic standards. For example, pest control in the real soil is also carried out by beneficial insects - ichneumon wasps, predatory mites, ladybirds and lacewings are among the most important helpers in the new greenhouse. The pollination of the tomato blossoms in Geinberg is taken over by soil bumblebees," says Ja! Natürlich managing director Klaudia Atzmüller.
Healthy soil also in the greenhouse
"We place particular emphasis on excellent soil quality and ensure this through a variety of natural measures, for example earthworms ensure healthy soil life right from the start. We also set high standards for the quality of organic fertiliser: We only use organic fertiliser whose raw materials come from organic farms, such as sheep's wool pellets from organic sheep, because not every organic fertiliser is the same. But also, the plant waste is composted at the end of each cultivation period. They then serve as valuable compost in the new crop. Another special feature is the crop rotation that Ja! Natürlich also relies on in the greenhouse: The same crop varieties are only grown on the land every three years to keep it healthy and fertile. Only that way sustainable and long-term cultivation in the sense of the natural cycle is possible," explains Ja! Natürlich managing director and agricultural expert Andreas Steidl.
Climate-friendly thanks to holistic energy and irrigation concept
The new greenhouse is not only sustainably heated by the existing geothermal energy, for which no drilling was necessary, but also has a photovoltaic system on the roof. Rainwater is collected in large basins for watering the plants, thus ensuring the self-sufficient irrigation of the new location. Optimal heating also prevents damp air, which prevents fungal diseases in the plants. The glass ceiling provides perfect lighting conditions, making all artificial light sources obsolete. Together, the two experienced fruit and vegetable producers of the Steiner and Perlinger families in the Innviertel region have built one of the most modern and environmentally friendly greenhouses in Europe on the existing geothermal source.
