Giel Band

The “Gielt Band” campaign: Here, gathering fruit is allowed.

Each year, many kilograms of ripe fruit are left to rot under the trees in orchards, gardens and on public places – and it’s a dreadful waste. The remedy is simple: gather and pick these apples, pears, plums, etc. and make them into jam, compote, juice or a pie.

But there’s a snag: gathering fruit without the owner’s permission is prohibited. What’s the solution? It’s the “Gielt Band” campaign, launched by the Ministry of Agriculture, Viticulture and Rural Development in collaboration with the “Syndicat des Villes et Communes luxembourgeoises” (Syvicol). Municipalities, private individuals, associations and businesses may attach a yellow ribbon to indicate the fruit trees which they own and from which fruit can be gathered by members of the public. The Ministry of Agriculture, Viticulture and Rural Development participates as regards the trees under its care and supervision.

Yellow ribbon: you can gather the fruit!

When the fruit is ripe and ready to be picked, yellow ribbons (made from cotton, and thus recyclable) will be attached to the trees concerned and anyone is allowed, free of charge and without first consulting the owner, to gather fruit for personal use – whilst respecting the behaviour charter. This way, active steps are taken to prevent food waste, and we learn to value and appreciate foodstuffs. Moreover, the transformation and conservation of the various fruits affords an opportunity to keep our traditions and know-how alive.