Organic wild collection in Austria at the nexus between production, nature conservation and tourism (BWÖ)

Aims

Organic wild collection, i.e. the collection of wild plants and parts thereof growing naturally in natural areas, is regulated by Regulation (EU) 2018/848 on organic production and is an indispensable economic pillar in many regions around the world. Yet, there is currently no monitoring of the distribution and relevance of organic wild collection in Austria. This is problematic, because related opportunities along the value chains are not adequately exploited and challenges not adequately addressed. In this project, we aim to raise awareness of organic wild collection in Austria and highlight its potential.

Our specific objectives are

  • to map the status quo of organic wild collection in Austria,
  • to understand the challenges and success factors of organic wild collection and possible synergies with measures for agricultural extensification, renaturation, nature conservation and tourism, and
  • to identify local visions and possible transformation pathways for organic wild collection.

Project team and project duration

Project coordinatorr: Assoz. Prof. Christoph Schunko / FIS

Project co-coordinator: Ao. Univ.Prof. Christian R. Vogl / FIS

Project staff: Dr. Brigitte Vogl-Lukasser / FIS

Project staff: DI.in Vivienne Schricker / FIS

Project duration: 01.12.2025 - 30.11.2028

Funding institution

Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Climate and Environmental Protection, Regions and Water Management (BMLUK) - DaFNE