From the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein, Associate Professor Dr. Andreas Steinwidder, Mag. Christian Fritz, and DI Andreas Klingler contributed their expertise. The interests of farmers were central to "Vision 2028+." In addition, the views and opinions of consumers, researchers, consultants, NGOs, and stakeholders from upstream and downstream economic sectors were included and discussed. The key future topics were divided into seven fields of action, addressing ecological, economic, and social dimensions.
- Strengthening entrepreneurship in agriculture
- Further development of quality production
- Climate and environmental protection as well as climate change adaptation
- More added value on the farm
- Sustainable and resilient rural areas
- Digitalization, research and innovation
- Perception and appreciation – dialogue with society
Challenges for Austrian agriculture
The biggest challenges for farmers were identified as increasing legal requirements and rampant bureaucracy. Regulations stemming from the EU Commission's Green Deal are perceived as a particular threat. Added to this are the unpredictable market situation and rising societal demands, while consumers often lack the willingness to pay for the high production standards in Austria. Climate change, excessive workloads , and a lack of planning certainty are also among the future challenges. The framework conditions are changing faster than the capital-intensive agricultural sector can adapt.
Opportunities for Austrian agriculture
Despite the numerous challenges, three-quarters of young farmers view the future positively or neutrally. They see particular opportunities for their farms in the trend towards regionality and quality, as well as in the growing public interest in agriculture. The coexistence and collaboration of multiple generations on the farm is very positively .
A family-run farming business as a guiding principle
Based on the strategy findings, Federal Minister Norbert Totschnig emphasizes that the family farm will remain the guiding principle and the eco-social market economy the compass. "My goal is that we still have a competitive, active agricultural and forestry sector in a vibrant rural area 20 years from now. To achieve this, it is necessary to support farmers in further developing their own viable business models. Furthermore, digitalization must reduce not only operating costs but also office hours in the coming years. When it comes to the future of our food , the focus must remain on natural and sustainable high-quality food instead of artificial, factory-made products."
