Europe visits Austria

international exchange of biodiversity ambassadors

From September 23 to 25, biodiversity ambassadors from Lithuania and Ireland visited Austria to meet some of their Austrian colleagues in person. In addition, FFN project coordinators from the partner countries Lithuania, Ireland, Northern Ireland and Croatia accompanied us on our trip through Austria. Among them was Brendan Dunford, the initiator of the Farming for Nature idea in his home country of Ireland. As the Farming For Nature idea has been extremely successful in Ireland, Brendan soon had the vision of establishing the Farming For Nature idea in other European countries. And as our journey shows: Brendan's vision is taking shape.


We stopped off to visit our biodiversity ambassadors Rudi Schmid and Andreas Badinger. Both showed what it means to run a profitable and at the same time sustainable agriculture embedded in an intensively used cultural landscape. They impressively illustrated how important it is to leave space for nature, especially in intensively used agricultural landscapes.


We also visited our two biodiversity ambassadors Jakob Mayer and Alexander Steindl. Both farmers have taken over the farm from their parents and thus also the experience and knowledge of older generations. Nevertheless, they decided to go their own way at a young age and restructure their farms in a creative way.


We were also particularly proud to be invited to visit the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management. Insights into the Austrian agri-environmental program was the basis for exciting discussions and exchange of experiences between the individual European countries.


Our all-too-short trip together was rounded off with a visit to our biodiversity ambassador Otto Knaus. At his winery in scenic southern Styria, there were not only wonderful views to enjoy, but also exciting insights into the work of a winegrower who works mindfully and in harmony with nature.

We were then able to taste the results of his careful farming in Otto's tavern, where our trip came to a pleasant end: We looked back on the last few days, inspiring conversations and ideas were raised and deepened and, of course, plans were developed for the next joint meeting.