Case Studies - Tourism and farming partnershipsThese are projects or partnerships that recognise the key linkages between tourism and food producers and how setting up the correct processes, supply chain and marketing can make a real difference to the livelihoods of local farmers and enable new generations to make a living in food production, which in turn maintains local traditions and landscapes...
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Bewusstmontafon, AustriaThe Bewusstmontafon is a tourism and farming partnership in the Montafon Valley in the Vorarlberg in Austria. It originated around the same time that Austria joined the EU and when slaughterhouses were going to be subject to new EU Rules which would have meant the local one closing. With special dispensation to have time to improve the slaughterhouse, Montafon then began a process of partnership between the farmers and tourism businesses to maintain and enhance the farmers income, protect the ancient breed of cow – the Montafoner Brown and provide distinctive food for guests. In 2007 this developed further into the current organisation that has both farmers and tourism organisations as members and there are obligations for both to maintain their membership.
Achievements include increasing demand for local veal production and the local Sura Kees cheese. Traditionally, the cows would be born in the autumn so that they were big enough for the mountains in summer. The Bewusstmontafon organisation has worked with farmers to change practices a little to ensure a steady supply of veal throughout the year and to improve the cuts and quality of meat available. Sura Kees – the local appellation controllee cheese – was formerly made in traditional large wooden moulds – however changes in family size and suitcases(!) meant that they were unable to sell as much. The organisation worked with the local farmers to make new smaller moulds and now they are able to sell much more. The organisation arranges special weeks for the various local products and restaurants that support and design dishes using the local products are accredited. It has made a large difference to local farmers’ incomes. |  |
Fermes de Vercors, FranceFermes de Vercors is a charter that was set up in association with the Vercors Regional Park Authority and the Isere Tourism board. Within the Vercors there are 5 AOC products and a network of over 70 farmers producing a wide range of products from cheese to walnuts, meat and poultry to sparkling wine and digestifs.
The charter enabled the farms enter the tourism market by helping them set up tours, sales and tasting areas, fixed opening hours and creating products for direct sale to the public as well as other tourism businesses. Tourism offices then promote the farms and their products in their brochures and are able to arrange self guided or guided walks to producers knowing they will be open and with a tourist-friendly offering. For tourists – both in winter and summer – it is an attraction, gets them closer to the region, gives an opportunity to chat with locals and enjoy the local specialities. |  |
