On Thursday, January 22, a major milestone took place at the Green Week trade fair in Berlin: the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region presented its application for the United Nations (UN) World Agricultural Heritage title. If successful, it will become the first region in Germany to be honored with this distinction.
Nuremberg: A Metropolis Striving for Global Recognition
From horticulture and viticulture to livestock farming, the agricultural and food sectors in the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region are exceptionally diverse. Some farming methods and landscapes have been preserved here for centuries. Representatives of the metropolis argued that over this time, a unique treasure of agrarian culture has formed. Simultaneously, the region’s official website emphasized that such diversity is crucial for the sustainable development of the territory in the future.
One of the defining features is the proximity of agricultural zones to the urban periphery. Within the metropolitan area are the carp ponds of the Upper Palatinate and the Aischgrund district—where centuries-old traditions are carefully maintained—as well as the hop gardens and vineyards of Franconia. A special place is held by Knoblauchsland, considered Germany’s largest contiguous vegetable-growing region. “This is the garden of the metropolis, ensuring food sovereignty,” stated Nuremberg’s Lord Mayor Marcus König at Green Week.
Agriculture as an Economic Driver: 100,000 Jobs
The region’s agricultural and food industry currently employs approximately 100,000 people. The sector is responsible for supplying both the metropolitan area and territories beyond its borders. This ensures a stable regional production and consumption cycle that remains resilient even during periods of crisis.
The application for the title is also intended to bring attention to the people behind these products, with a primary focus on the achievements of farmers. Through their labor, they contribute to landscape maintenance and help preserve the region’s biodiversity. “Our strength lies in diversity. This makes us a model for sustainable, adaptive agriculture that ultimately guarantees our food security,” stated Dr. Christa Standecker, Managing Director of the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region.
Nuremberg’s Agrarian Sector: “Our Culture is Not a Museum”
This would not be the first UN recognition for the metropolis. Previously, the local floodplains were included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The new status is intended to expand upon this recognition. “Our agrarian culture is not a museum, but a living system of knowledge, craftsmanship, and innovative power. This culture includes 19 regional types of intangible heritage related to agriculture, such as the Zoigl culture in the Upper Palatinate, horticulture, or the traditional art of distillation,” explained Klaus Peter Söllner, representative of the World Agricultural Heritage Council and District Administrator of Kulmbach.
The initiative is supported by an association of municipalities, agricultural representatives, and scientists. Participants have developed an action plan including strategic projects, such as supplying municipal cafeterias with regional products. “The foundation of this success is the mutual respect between the city and the countryside, as well as a close, continuous exchange between farmers, communities, and society,” expressed Bavarian Agriculture Minister Michaela Kaniber.
Germany’s Potential First Agricultural Heritage Recognition
The metropolitan region will officially submit the documents through the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture. The application will then be forwarded to the FAO—the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. This UN body has been awarding the honor since 2002 from its headquarters in Rome, Italy, where the final decision will be made.
Under the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) program, unique agrarian systems worldwide are recognized. Evaluation criteria include traditional knowledge, ecological sustainability, and cultural significance. To date, 104 systems in 28 countries have received this recognition. In Europe, awarded territories are located in Spain, Austria, and Italy. An FAO delegation will visit the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region before a final decision is reached.
Source: FAO
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