Review of the organic farming conference - "Research meets practice"

Review of the organic farming conference - "Research meets practice"

Successful organic farming conference at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein

The annual Austrian Conference on Organic Agriculture took place on November 13, 2025 , at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein . Under the motto "Learning from Organic Farms – Networking Research and Practice," the focus was on the exchange between practitioners, advisors, and researchers. Numerous participants from all over Austria, as well as Germany and South Tyrol, took the opportunity to discuss current results from projects and trials and to gather ideas for the further development of organic agriculture.

The conference offered insights into current projects related to grazing under challenging conditions, from grazing on steep slopes to new concepts for arable land. It became clear that adapted systems such as pre-grazing, rotational grazing, and the targeted use of herbs enable sustainable management.

Another focus was on cattle breeding in organic farming. Strategies for balancing longevity, robustness, and performance were discussed – with a clear emphasis on animal health and suitability for grazing. The forage-based fattening of dairy crossbreed calves demonstrated how research and practice can jointly develop solutions for greater regionality and animal welfare.

In the block on organic calf rearing, practical approaches were presented on how organic calves from dairy farms can be raised in an animal-friendly and resource-efficient manner for quality cattle fattening.

The conference highlighted the importance of close collaboration between research, advisory services, and agricultural practice for the sustainable development of organic farming. A heartfelt thank you goes to all the speakers, partners, and participants who contributed to the success of this event.

 

 

Program and proceedings of the 2025 Bio-Conference - Research meets Practice

 

 

 

 

Downloads of all organic farming conferences

 

 

Project leader

Ofner-Schröck Elfriede, Dr.in

Dr. Elfriede Ofner-Schröck

Institute leadership Organic Farming & Livestock Biodiversity
Starz Walter, Dr.

Dr. Walter Starz

Organic Grassland and Arable Farming
Steinwidder Andreas, Priv. Doz. Dr.

Priv. Doz. Dr. Andreas Steinwidder

Leitung Forschung & Innovation
Zamberger Isabella

Isabella Zamberger

currently on leave
Paier Gabriel

Gabriel Paier

Project staff member Research & Development