A glass of gin … with Robert Rosenstatter
For this instalment of our series "A Glass with …" we are delighted to sit down for an interview with Robert Rosenstatter. He is one of the pioneers of organic food and the founder of BioArt. His mission and passion: bringing together pleasure and Bio. Since 1997, BioArt has been developing premium organic foods that you can enjoy with a clear conscience. The raw ingredients come from regional producers using certified organic farming or through Fairtrade sourcing.
Farthofer: Robert, a remarkable Bio centre of expertise and enjoyment is set to open in Salzburg in the middle of the year. You are in the process of realising a truly ambitious project. How long have you been planning it?
Rosenstatter: The idea of making Bio visible and tangible has been with me for almost 20 years. Of course, a project like this isn't something you can pull off alone. That's why I'm so pleased that I managed to get friends from the private sector and my family on board.
Farthofer: How did the name Bio centre of expertise come about?
Rosenstatter: The name came from an outside perspective on the project. Our regional councillor Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Josef Schwaiger was the first to use that term.
Farthofer: What do you want to convey with the BioArt Campus?
Rosenstatter: I want to bring organic closer to as many people as possible and meet them where they are. Here, Bio becomes a hands-on experience – discovering organic produce and watching our artisan makers at work – that can easily lead to a personal eureka moment . Partnerships and the pooling of expertise are equally important to me, so that we can grow together – true to my motto: 1 plus 1 makes at least 3.
Farthofer: What makes Seeham in the Trumer Seenland stand out as a location? Is this village the new city?
Rosenstatter: Seeham has long been an organic village and has twice been honoured with the Austrian Climate Protection Award by the Federal Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism and the ORF. The village is a member of the Città del Bio / Bio Cities of Europe network and serves as the starting point for the Bioparadies Salzburger Land and the Bio Heu Region Trumer Seenland. In that sense, Seeham is practically predestined as the home of the BioArt Campus.
Farthofer: What can the province of Salzburg do better than other Austrian provinces when it comes to organic?
Rosenstatter: I wouldn't say that Salzburg is better than the other provinces. What is truly outstanding about Salzburg, however, is certainly its unique organic density of nearly 60%. In the Bio Heu Region Trumer Seenland, it's even 80%. And now we get to put a face to that organic density.
Farthofer: The organic movement really took off for us mid-forties folks back in our youth. What gave you the push in 1997 to found BioArt?
Rosenstatter: My passion for artisan food and drink, my awareness of sustainability and the lack of proper marketing for the wonderful products from our region at the time.
Farthofer: In your experience, how do today's twenty-somethings look at the topic of organic?
Rosenstatter: Organic is trending among young people too, though at first glance it's not so much about what organic can actually do. For younger generations, organic speaks more to the ever-present topic of animal welfare. That's currently more front of mind than avoiding synthetic fertilisers, building humus and other quality hallmarks of organic farming.
Farthofer: Can organic still gain market share?
Rosenstatter: Absolutely. A few years ago, organic moved out of its niche. In the years ahead, we may even be heading towards a paradigm shift.
Farthofer: Which organic product are you currently excited about?
Rosenstatter: Robert's homemade organic truffle butter.
Farthofer: With which personality would you like to share a Bio gin?
Rosenstatter: With my first boss and artist Robert Costa – master carpenter of the first Salzburg furniture workshop specialising in healthy, eco-conscious interior design.
Farthofer: When do you consider your personal mission fulfilled?
Rosenstatter: My passion for organic is a calling that never ends. The most rewarding moments are when I can share and pass on my passion and enthusiasm for organic living – including to the next generations.
Farthofer: Thank you so much for the conversation!
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