Embracing biodiversity. Farmers show how it's done.

On November 24th, the five Biodiversity Ambassadors of the Farming for Nature Austria project were honored in a festive ceremony. With their personal stories of increased biodiversity and sustainable farming practices, the ambassadors inspire others to follow suit. Elisabeth Süßenbacher from the Austrian Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Climate Protection (BMLUK) presented the Biodiversity Awards as a token of recognition.

The event centered around a panel discussion with the selected farmers, who shared insights into their approaches to increasing diversity on their farms. Birgit Braunstein, a winemaker from Burgenland, demonstrated how biodynamic viticulture promotes soil life and how this diversity is reflected in the taste of the wine. Johann Schauer from Upper Austria spoke about practical renaturation and how extensively managed land can restore habitats. Roswitha Marold, a dairy farmer from Styria, emphasized that animal-friendly husbandry and near-natural grassland management go hand in hand and are also economically viable. Brigitte Dörner from Salzburg emphasized the importance of regional flower production as a contribution to climate and species protection. Josef Pfeffer from Lower Austria then demonstrated how biodiversity, animal welfare, and economic success can be reconciled even in conventional pig farming.

The substantive discussions were accompanied by guest contributions from meteorologist and journalist Andreas Jäger, known as the "Climate Hunter"; Andrea Wagner, Vice President of the Lower Austrian Chamber of Agriculture; and Günther Mayerl, Managing Director of Green Care Development and Consulting GmbH.

Another highlight of the evening was the announcement of the 2025 Audience Choice Award winner. The most votes went to pig farmer and soil conservationist Josef Pfeffer from Mank in Lower Austria. The farmer, chosen through online voting, focuses on regenerative and conservation-oriented farming practices. Cultivation and harvesting are carried out in a way that is as soil-friendly and natural as possible to preserve and promote soil life. Among other things, he relies on animal helpers – the earthworms he highly values.

The event featured musical accompaniment by singer Amy Yon and the Farming for Nature Band. The evening concluded with a relaxed atmosphere and opportunities for personal conversations with the biodiversity ambassadors, as well as the chance to sample their products and gain insights into their conservation work.