Even before the current Covid-19 pandemic, the cultivation of protein crops in Austria, their development potential and the associated security of supply have become the focus of numerous discussions and initiatives. Despite increased cultivation areas in Austria (e.g. doubling of soybean cultivation areas), there is still a dependency on imports for vegetable protein. One aim of the Protein Strategy 2030 presented in July 2021 is to secure the protein supply in Austria. Although the production of oil and protein crops was well mapped during the development of the protein strategy, there is a lack of current figures, data and facts in the processing sector. In addition to an analysis of the current situation, the potential for the processing of oil and protein crops is also to be considered and possible options for action identified. In 2022, as part of the implementation of the protein strategy, a focus will be placed on the area of processing in Austria. A round table with all relevant stakeholders is planned on this topic, which will be organized by AGES. There are links to the updating of the Austrian (protein) feed balance, which will be dealt with as part of a separate Covid project/feed balance.
Objective
In 2025, the focus was on systematically reviewing the state of research and collecting and evaluating relevant data sources. After comprehensive literature and database research, the first step was to conduct a mass flow analysis of soybeans in Austria along the key stages of the value chain. To this end, available data and studies were collated and expert opinions were sought to verify their plausibility. Furthermore, the topic was embedded in a theoretical framework. Based on this, the survey design was conceived and a survey guide was created, which enables a differentiated recording of assessments, experiences and operational conditions. In order to better structure the subsequent implementation of the survey, a survey register was created in which the relevant companies were identified, categorised and stored with contact details. The great heterogeneity of the actors to be surveyed made it necessary to carefully adapt the questions.
To ensure methodological quality, there was intensive exchange with researchers from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, and the University of Graz. The structure, comprehensibility and scope of the guidelines were discussed and revised in several rounds of consultation. This iterative revision of the design contributed significantly to the scientific foundation, but required more time than originally calculated.
Overall, the creation of the mass flow analysis, the collection and evaluation of expert opinions, and the development and coordination of the survey design required considerable time resources. The associated deepening of the project's content and methodology is a major reason for the necessary extension of the project duration.
In 2026, the focus will be on qualitative data collection, evaluation and analysis, and summarising the results in a report. In addition to a comprehensive inventory, statements will also be made on the strategic goals of processors in the sector.
Work 2025
Due to the unplanned and short-term work for the BML in 2023 and 2024 in connection with the various crises (Corona, Ukraine, crisis management team) and their consequences (energy crisis and prices), area and database transfer from the LFRZ (ALFIS) and changes in other work prioritised for the ministry, the project will be extended by a further year.
In 2025, the focus will be on a comprehensive analysis of the handling and processing capacities of oil plants and protein seeds in Austria. Firstly, targeted literature and database research will be carried out in order to record current research results and relevant data on existing capacities. Methodologically, the investigation is based on a case study design with individual case analyses of selected processing companies. The expected results include an assessment of the availability of raw materials and a presentation of current processing and storage capacities. In addition, the importance of foreign trade will be evaluated. Finally, a SWOT analysis of the processing sector is carried out, which identifies the opportunities and challenges. The final report summarises all the findings.
Schedule
Project start: 01/2022
Project end: 03/2027
