The small Weltacker “Salern”

Since May 2022, there has been a ‘Weltacker’ at the agricultural school in Salern in Vahrn (South Tyrol). The Salern Weltacker is only 200 m² in size, which is only one tenth of a ‘real’ Weltacker. But there is a lot to discover in this area, too, where the most important arable crops in the world also grow to scale. We also try to demonstrate the amount of grassland available per person.

With the Weltacker, the team from the Salern University of Applied Sciences wants to create a place that vividly demonstrates how much influence our eating and consumption habits have on arable land worldwide, how important soil fertility and seed diversity are, and that we urgently need to reduce food waste.

A Global Field is a perfect fit for this agricultural college. Firstly, because the teaching team tries to convey ecology and sustainability to young people in a comprehensive and lively way, and to set an example. And secondly, because the school is well-equipped in terms of arable and horticultural technology and the Global Field can be cultivated – at least in part – by groups of students as part of practical lessons.

The Weltacker was created by teachers and students. It is freely accessible, and since autumn 2022, teachers, with the support of some students, have been offering guided tours for school classes and interested groups in spring and autumn. So here the students themselves become the guides on field trips.