"The unique cultural landscape of our terraced steep slopes is unfortunately in danger of disappearing. The now updated measures paper summarizes the efforts being made to preserve them - these are not only absolutely necessary, but also very impressive," said District Administrator Dietmar Allgaier at the meeting.
Particularly affected: steep slopes that have to be cultivated by hand
The challenges for viticulture are great. The consumption of wine is changing socially, while at the same time the costs for personnel and operating resources are rising. Added to this is the strong competition from foreign wines. The consequences are now clearly visible: even vineyards in easy-to-grow locations are being abandoned. The traditional steep slopes, which can be cultivated almost exclusively by hand, are particularly affected.
Measures paper bundles information on funding programs, projects, etc.
This is precisely where the measures paper is intended to provide guidance. It brings together information on funding programs, projects and possible new approaches to preserve the unique cultural landscape in the long term.
Several municipalities have funding programs supported by the district
Numerous projects have been initiated over the past two years. Several municipalities have adopted their own funding programs for steep slopes, which are financially supported by the district. Despite the tight budget situation, funds have been made available for the years 2025 to 2027. The district can thus supplement the municipal funding with up to 50 percent.
First funding program: extensive coordination with state and federal authorities
The first funding program in Hessigheim was an important step. Coordination with the state and federal authorities was time-consuming, but there is now a good basis that can also help other municipalities in the future.
Planting alternative crops
In addition, the district has published a leaflet on planting alternative crops together with the relevant departments of the district office. Although such uses remain rather niche, they help to ensure that land can continue to be cultivated and maintained.
Funding of 950,000 euros used for projects in five years
Cooperation with the Neckarschleifen regional development association has also been successful: Over the past five years, this has enabled funding of around 950,000 euros to be used for projects in the steep slopes. The funds were used for measures to preserve and further develop the cultural landscape.
Joint marketing project for steep slope wine
A joint marketing project for a steep slope wine from the region is also developing very positively. This is the first time that the Neckar and Enz regions have joined forces. The district is supporting the project in the initial phase with a financial contribution of 295,000 euros. Michael Böhm, member of the board of the vineyard, and Lisa Ernst, managing director of the vineyard, recently presented the first joint steep slope wine to District Administrator Allgaier in the Kreishaus.
Application to the nature conservation fund not considered
The district continues to actively participate in new ideas and projects in order to accompany structural change and create new opportunities. Not all projects are successful: an application to the Nature Conservation Fund to support the maintenance of open spaces was unfortunately not considered in the funding program due to the high demand. The district is therefore currently looking for alternative funding options.
First hurdle cleared in application for UNESCO intangible cultural heritage status
Another important issue is the application of traditional dry stone walling as an intangible UNESCO cultural heritage site. Together with other steep-slope wine-growing regions, the first hurdle has already been cleared. Since mid-March, the application has been submitted to the Conference of Ministers of Culture for a decision.
Tourist sign planned on the A81
The steep slopes are also to become more visible to tourists in future. A tourist information board ("brown sign") is planned on the A81 to draw attention to the Neckar and Enz steep-slope region. The requirements for this are high, but the district believes it is on the right track.
