Michael Halbfurter
Tyrol
Commitment to biodiversity:
Michael lives with his wife, Karin, and their four children on a Green Care-certified organic farm in Dölsach, East Tyrol. Over the past few years, the family has gradually developed the farm and established new lines of business. Many of the crops grown there are processed directly on the farm—into products such as muesli, cookies, tea, seeds, oils and herbal smoking blends—which are available in the self-service farm shop.
For several years, Michael has increasingly focused on cultivating hemp. This crop loosens the soil, suppresses weeds, and fits perfectly into a diverse crop rotation. A mixed herd of around 15 suckler cows is also part of the farm’s operational concept, enabling a closed, waste-free cycle: manure and slurry serve as fertilizer for the fields, while agricultural by-products are used as supplementary feed.
Nature-oriented farming and healthy soil are central to both Michael’s agricultural practices and his personal philosophy. Areas dedicated to biodiversity, varied crop rotations, measures to build humus, and extensively managed grasslands create valuable habitats for insects and wildlife. An openness to new crops and trust in natural cycles define his work, demonstrating just how diverse and future-proof agriculture can be. Furthermore, the Halbfurter family opens their farm to the public, offering seminars, consultations, and farm stays, and inviting visitors to experience firsthand the diversity and vitality of their farming operation and the natural world.
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