“This orchard in Nova Gorica, as well as providing fruit on rapidly growing trees that are more resistant to pests , will also be a small gene bank. Unfortunately, these varieties are no longer available in nurseries and have almost been forgotten,” says Gregor Božič, a researcher of old species of trees and film director who is directing the Atlas of Forgotten Orchards project as part of the European Capital of Culture’s programme.
Božič has brought old species of fruit trees to the heart of Nova Gorica, and is working on an online platform that will include a virtual map of the orchards and a new distillery to promote the cultural dimension of fruit cultivation. The project highlights the value of natural resources and the potential for subsistence agriculture in the modern world.
