After graduating from the HBLA Ursprung, Josef Hambrusch studied agricultural economics at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) and at the University of Aberdeen, and subsequently completed his training at the Agricultural Education Academy in Vienna.
After a year of research at BOKU, Josef Hambrusch joined the Federal Institute for Agricultural Economics and Mountain Farming Issues (BAB, formerly the Federal Institute for Agricultural Economics) in 2003. Since then, he has focused on agricultural economic research, policy advisory services, and evaluation at the national and international levels.
Since 2019, Josef Hambrusch has headed the Department of Agricultural Economics and Data Management at the BAB. His work centers on current and future-oriented economic issues in the agricultural and food sectors, including the competitiveness of agricultural enterprises and related social and ecological interactions. He has extensive, long-standing experience in policy advisory services, particularly in the design and evaluation of agricultural policy in Austria.
Josef Hambrusch is an experienced and respected figure in the agricultural economics research community. For many years, he has supported national and international research organizations, institutions, and networks, including the IFCN, agri benchmark, and OECD working groups. He is also Vice President of the Austrian Society for Agricultural Economics (ÖGA) and a lecturer at BOKU.
As a long-time department head, he brings valuable experience in the strategic development of organizational units, in leading staff, and in project management, and will support the further development of the BAB as a central research institution for the agricultural sector and rural areas in Austria in a diverse and professional manner.
In Josef Hambrusch’s own words: “Against the backdrop of changing conditions and challenges, as a long-time employee of the Federal Institute, I would like to play an active role in shaping the future of the BAB and foster open communication and constructive collaboration.”
The staff of the BAB wish him every success in his new role.
