Austria achieved a historic success at the 10th European Professional Competition for Young Gardeners, which took place in Lower Franconia from July 30th to 31st, 2024. For the first time, the two Austrian teams managed to take first place and also win the international team competition.
21 teams from 13 European countries competed against each other to demonstrate their skills and make international contacts. The Austrian teams were made up of the winners of the last two national agricultural gardening championships.
In the international team competition, in which mixed teams from different countries competed, the team consisting of participants from Austria, Hungary and Slovenia won. Nathalie Kehrer successfully represented Austria.
“The competition once again demonstrated the excellent quality of horticultural training in Austria. The participants were not only able to demonstrate their professional competence, but also gain valuable experience and make international friends. The outstanding achievements of Austria’s young gardeners are a reason for joy and encouragement “We congratulate all the winners on their successes and look forward to the next competitions,” explains Rene Pollroß, President of the ARGE Austrian Young Gardeners.
“Both our teams were well prepared and coordinated with each other. It was a great pleasure to see how young gardeners from different federal states work together. The great achievement makes us very proud and the joy is indescribable. For our participants it was a unique experience,” continued Pollroß.
On August 1st, the participants also had the opportunity to take part in an excursion that gave them insights into the regional horticultural culture.
Gold medalist:
Paul Fahrnberger, Lower Austria, Langenlois vocational school, training company: Johannes Käfer nursery, Gresten
Alexander Perl, Styria, Großwilfersdorf vocational school, training company: Großwilfersdorf training nursery
Sarah Maria Stiftner, Lower Austria, Langenlois Horticultural School
Team supervisor: Helmut Jäger, specialist teacher at Langenlois Horticultural School
Silver medalist:
Julia Böhm, Upper Austria, Ritzlhof technical school
Alexander Findig, Carinthia, Ehrental Technical School
Nathalie Kehrer, Upper Austria, Ritzlhof vocational school, training company: Sandner gardening center, St. Florian
Team supervisor: Rene Pollroß, President of the ARGE Austrian Young Gardeners