Alden Biesen Castle, Rijkhoven, Belgium
19-20 October 2019
The National Orchards Foundation held its annual exhibition on old and newer varieties of fruit kinds on 19 and 20 October in a great historical environment, the castle of Alden Biezen.
This year it was in collaboration with pomological circles from other countries and that is why this event was called “Europom”. Pomological associations from Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Great Britain, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland participated.
All the associations from these countries aim to preserve genetic diversity. Together they displayed more than 1000 varieties, spread over various types of fruit, including apples, pears, nuts, quinces, medlar, chetnuts and even cherries and plums (in this period)!
During this event a whole range of old preservation techniques, fruit processing methods, books and educational material were demonstrated. Those who had questions received customized advice. Did anyone have a fruit variety unknown to him (her)? No problem, the specialists from these associations had the answer!
Europom is organized every year in a different country with the cooperation of a lot of volunteers a and is an excellent example of international cooperation. To all volunteers: keep working like this to preserve our rich pool of fruit varieties and various processing techniques!
To be continued … with more news from Belgium: a student’s experience is coming soon – stay with EUROPEA and get to know more!
Acknowledgements: many thanks to EUROPEA-Belgium and René (BE) 🙂
Photos: from René (BE)
