Agricultural Markethttps://bab.gv.at/index.php2024-03-29T10:47:17+01:00Bundesanstalt für Agrarwirtschaft und Bergbauernfragenwebmaster@bab.gv.atJoomla! - Open Source Content ManagementBAB 068/24: Social Economy for Resilience, Inclusion and Good Life in Rural Areas (SERIGO)2024-01-04T09:37:02+01:002024-01-04T09:37:02+01:00https://bab.gv.at/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2284:bab-068-24-social-economy-for-resilience-inclusion-and-good-life-in-rural-areas-serigo&catid=112&lang=en&Itemid=413Michaela Hager<p>Social vulnerability very easily leads to isolation and disempowerment. Both individuals and certain groups of people within a society are affected. The threat of social exclusion is particularly high in times of economic restructuring, natural disasters but also - as recently - during pandemics. Vulnerability can be a consequence of social exclusion, but can also cause social exclusion itself. In rural areas, this vulnerability often manifests itself in specific ways. An interdisciplinary and systematic approach appears necessary to analyze these relationships, whereby the abilities and potential of people in vulnerable situations must also be considered.</p>
<h3>Objective</h3>
<p>This project aims to generate evidence-based practical and theoretical knowledge on how Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) can generate resilience, social inclusion and a good life in European rural areas. Based on the project results, recommendations, framework conditions and policy measures will be developed to achieve these goals through constructive discussions with stakeholders at different levels</p>
<h3>Planned procedure</h3>
<p>The drivers of social exclusion in relation to marginalization processes and social inequalities will first be identified in different types of regions. Five co-creation pilots will then be initiated. Stakeholders will carry out experiments with various vulnerable groups involving local organizations and the wider community, which should lead to the empowerment of vulnerable groups in a multi-actor design. The following co-creation pilots are planned:</p>
<ul>
<li>Austria: Refugee women from Afghanistan, Chechnya and Arab countries, in Carinthia transnationally with South Tyrol</li>
<li>Finland: women at risk of exclusion</li>
<li>Estonia: older people with unrecognized abilities</li>
<li>Slovenia: social exclusion of disabled young people and older people</li>
<li>Slovakia: multivulnerable Roma communities</li>
</ul>
<p>In addition, a total of 26 case studies are being conducted in 13 countries, two of which are in Austria:</p>
<ul>
<li>NEETs (economically inactive young people), including those with a migration background: analyzed by the Carinthia University of Applied Sciences</li>
<li>Verein Silbersberg, Quellenhof: Gloggnitz and Schwarzau im Gebirge, analyzed by the BAB</li>
</ul>
<p>The BAB is leading the work package WP1: Conceptual Framework. The theoretical foundations of social exclusion, vulnerability, but also unrecognized skills, untapped capacities and the SSE concept (Social and Solidarity Economy) will be developed through literature research.<br /><br />In WP2, the analytical dimensions and categories, cohesions, synergies and syntheses in the project are examined and recorded. WP3 comprises the case studies, WP4 the co-creation pilots. In WP5, the results are communicated and disseminated in a community of practice. WP6 develops policy recommendations, WP7 comprises project management.</p>
<h3>Zeitplan</h3>
<p>Projektbeginn: 01/2024<br />Projektende: 12/2027</p>
<h3>Kooperationspartner</h3>
<p>FH Kärnten (A); Diakonie Kärnten (A); ZSI Zentrum für Soziale Innovation (A); EURAC Bozen (I), Universität Wageningen (NL); Universität Vigo (E); National University of Ireland Galway (IRL); Universität Tallinn (EST); Võrumaa Partnership (EST); Universität Bratislava (SK); Region Ostrava (SK); Universität Eskişehir (TR); Pro Agria (FIN); Prizma Foundation (SLO); AEIDL European Association for Innovation in Local Development (B)</p><p>Social vulnerability very easily leads to isolation and disempowerment. Both individuals and certain groups of people within a society are affected. The threat of social exclusion is particularly high in times of economic restructuring, natural disasters but also - as recently - during pandemics. Vulnerability can be a consequence of social exclusion, but can also cause social exclusion itself. In rural areas, this vulnerability often manifests itself in specific ways. An interdisciplinary and systematic approach appears necessary to analyze these relationships, whereby the abilities and potential of people in vulnerable situations must also be considered.</p>
<h3>Objective</h3>
<p>This project aims to generate evidence-based practical and theoretical knowledge on how Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) can generate resilience, social inclusion and a good life in European rural areas. Based on the project results, recommendations, framework conditions and policy measures will be developed to achieve these goals through constructive discussions with stakeholders at different levels</p>
<h3>Planned procedure</h3>
<p>The drivers of social exclusion in relation to marginalization processes and social inequalities will first be identified in different types of regions. Five co-creation pilots will then be initiated. Stakeholders will carry out experiments with various vulnerable groups involving local organizations and the wider community, which should lead to the empowerment of vulnerable groups in a multi-actor design. The following co-creation pilots are planned:</p>
<ul>
<li>Austria: Refugee women from Afghanistan, Chechnya and Arab countries, in Carinthia transnationally with South Tyrol</li>
<li>Finland: women at risk of exclusion</li>
<li>Estonia: older people with unrecognized abilities</li>
<li>Slovenia: social exclusion of disabled young people and older people</li>
<li>Slovakia: multivulnerable Roma communities</li>
</ul>
<p>In addition, a total of 26 case studies are being conducted in 13 countries, two of which are in Austria:</p>
<ul>
<li>NEETs (economically inactive young people), including those with a migration background: analyzed by the Carinthia University of Applied Sciences</li>
<li>Verein Silbersberg, Quellenhof: Gloggnitz and Schwarzau im Gebirge, analyzed by the BAB</li>
</ul>
<p>The BAB is leading the work package WP1: Conceptual Framework. The theoretical foundations of social exclusion, vulnerability, but also unrecognized skills, untapped capacities and the SSE concept (Social and Solidarity Economy) will be developed through literature research.<br /><br />In WP2, the analytical dimensions and categories, cohesions, synergies and syntheses in the project are examined and recorded. WP3 comprises the case studies, WP4 the co-creation pilots. In WP5, the results are communicated and disseminated in a community of practice. WP6 develops policy recommendations, WP7 comprises project management.</p>
<h3>Zeitplan</h3>
<p>Projektbeginn: 01/2024<br />Projektende: 12/2027</p>
<h3>Kooperationspartner</h3>
<p>FH Kärnten (A); Diakonie Kärnten (A); ZSI Zentrum für Soziale Innovation (A); EURAC Bozen (I), Universität Wageningen (NL); Universität Vigo (E); National University of Ireland Galway (IRL); Universität Tallinn (EST); Võrumaa Partnership (EST); Universität Bratislava (SK); Region Ostrava (SK); Universität Eskişehir (TR); Pro Agria (FIN); Prizma Foundation (SLO); AEIDL European Association for Innovation in Local Development (B)</p>BAB 067/23: Circular Bioeconomy Market Uptake and Policy Support in Central Europe (BIOECO-UP) 2023-03-08T11:45:43+01:002023-03-08T11:45:43+01:00https://bab.gv.at/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2224:bab-067-23-circular-bioeconomy-market-uptake-and-policy-support-in-central-europe-bi-oeco-up&catid=112&lang=en&Itemid=413Michaela Hager<p>The circular economy in Central Europe is characterized by underdeveloped bio-based value chains, low consumer awareness and uneven political progress along the East-West border. BIOECO-UP deals with the further development of the circular bioeconomy in Central Europe. In addition to the 12 cooperations mentioned above, 5 ministries are involved as associated partners: Ministry of Agricluture and Rural Development (PL); Ministry of Rural Affairs of the Republic of Estonia (EE); Slovenian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food (SI); Ministry of Investments, Regional Development and Informatization of the Slovak Republic (SK); Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic (CZ). The BIOEAST Initiative (https://bioeast.eu/), in which 11 Eastern European Ministries of Agriculture and supporting institutes are represented, is also involved in BIOECO-UP. BIOECO-UP is implemented in the "Interreg Central Europe Programme 2021-2027" and addresses the program priority "P2 - Cooperating for a greener central Europe", specifically the priority objective "SO2.3 - Taking circular economy forward in central Europe".</p>
<h3>Objective</h3>
<p>BIOECO-UP aims to advance the circular bioeconomy in Central Europe by designing bioeconomic value chains and supporting changes in consumer behavior and policy frameworks.</p>
<h3>Status of the work</h3>
<p>Work package WP 1 ("Circular bioeconomy cross-sector value chains") will test, develop and disseminate solutions for the design of bio-based value chains based on 7 transnational pilot studies. WP 2 ("Empowering citizens to become active in circular bioeconomy") aims to support 600 citizens in using, producing and evaluating bio-based products themselves. WP 3 ("Mainstreaming of circular bioeconomy policies") aims to identify bioeconomy policy measures in Central Europe, develop strategy and action plans, formulate recommendations, disseminate project results and promote exchange among stakeholders. More detailed information on activities, outputs, deliverables and project timeline can be found in the project application.</p>
<h3>Work carried out in 2023</h3>
<p>BAB's work in 2023 concerned activities A1.1 and A3.1. For A1.1 "Mapping bioeconomy potential", data on the bioeconomy in Austria was researched, a (non-published) report on the bioeconomy in Austria was prepared and a contribution to the synthesis report (Deliverable D1.1.1: "Bioeconomy potential analysis") was provided. The BAB is responsible for the coordination of A3.1 "Analyzing circular bioeconomy measures". In 2023, the BAB therefore set up a core team with representatives from all participating project partner organizations to design A3.1, organized working meetings and drafted materials for further processing by the core team (including an initial list of bioeconomy policy measures).</p>
<h3>Planned work for 2024</h3>
<p>The BAB plans to focus on the further coordination, design, implementation and completion of A3.1 in 2024. The ongoing exchange with the project partner organizations should ensure that the results from A3.1 provide input for other project activities and external stakeholders (e.g. decision-makers). A list of bioeconomy policy measures, a bioeconomy policy workshop for transnational exchange of experience and a deliverable D3.1.1 "Policy analysis of circular bioeconomy policy measures" are planned as outputs from A3.1. Participation in other project activities is also planned.</p>
<h3>Timetable</h3>
<p>Project start: 06/2023<br />Project end: 03/2026</p>
<h3>Project cooperation</h3>
<p>Landwirtschaftsministerium - Abteilung für Agrarforschung und Agrarumweltmanagement (HU); Bay Zoltán Nonprofit LTD for Applied Research - Abteilung für Biomasseproduktion und -verwertung (HU); Alma Mater Studiorum Universität Bologna - Abteilung für industrielle Chemie Toso montanari (IT); Tschechische Universität für Lebenswissenschaften Prag - Fakultät für Forst- und Holzwissenschaften (CZ); Landwirtschaftliche Forschung, LtD Troubsko (CZ); Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation Research State Institute - Department of Bioeconomy and Systems Analysis (PL); Institute for Circular Economy (HR); Institute for Sustainable Development (SI); University of Ljubljana - Biotechnical Faculty (SI); Bioeconomy Cluster (SK); Croatian Chamber of Agriculture - Department of Agricultural Policy, Innovation and International Cooperation (HR)</p>
<p> </p><p>The circular economy in Central Europe is characterized by underdeveloped bio-based value chains, low consumer awareness and uneven political progress along the East-West border. BIOECO-UP deals with the further development of the circular bioeconomy in Central Europe. In addition to the 12 cooperations mentioned above, 5 ministries are involved as associated partners: Ministry of Agricluture and Rural Development (PL); Ministry of Rural Affairs of the Republic of Estonia (EE); Slovenian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food (SI); Ministry of Investments, Regional Development and Informatization of the Slovak Republic (SK); Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic (CZ). The BIOEAST Initiative (https://bioeast.eu/), in which 11 Eastern European Ministries of Agriculture and supporting institutes are represented, is also involved in BIOECO-UP. BIOECO-UP is implemented in the "Interreg Central Europe Programme 2021-2027" and addresses the program priority "P2 - Cooperating for a greener central Europe", specifically the priority objective "SO2.3 - Taking circular economy forward in central Europe".</p>
<h3>Objective</h3>
<p>BIOECO-UP aims to advance the circular bioeconomy in Central Europe by designing bioeconomic value chains and supporting changes in consumer behavior and policy frameworks.</p>
<h3>Status of the work</h3>
<p>Work package WP 1 ("Circular bioeconomy cross-sector value chains") will test, develop and disseminate solutions for the design of bio-based value chains based on 7 transnational pilot studies. WP 2 ("Empowering citizens to become active in circular bioeconomy") aims to support 600 citizens in using, producing and evaluating bio-based products themselves. WP 3 ("Mainstreaming of circular bioeconomy policies") aims to identify bioeconomy policy measures in Central Europe, develop strategy and action plans, formulate recommendations, disseminate project results and promote exchange among stakeholders. More detailed information on activities, outputs, deliverables and project timeline can be found in the project application.</p>
<h3>Work carried out in 2023</h3>
<p>BAB's work in 2023 concerned activities A1.1 and A3.1. For A1.1 "Mapping bioeconomy potential", data on the bioeconomy in Austria was researched, a (non-published) report on the bioeconomy in Austria was prepared and a contribution to the synthesis report (Deliverable D1.1.1: "Bioeconomy potential analysis") was provided. The BAB is responsible for the coordination of A3.1 "Analyzing circular bioeconomy measures". In 2023, the BAB therefore set up a core team with representatives from all participating project partner organizations to design A3.1, organized working meetings and drafted materials for further processing by the core team (including an initial list of bioeconomy policy measures).</p>
<h3>Planned work for 2024</h3>
<p>The BAB plans to focus on the further coordination, design, implementation and completion of A3.1 in 2024. The ongoing exchange with the project partner organizations should ensure that the results from A3.1 provide input for other project activities and external stakeholders (e.g. decision-makers). A list of bioeconomy policy measures, a bioeconomy policy workshop for transnational exchange of experience and a deliverable D3.1.1 "Policy analysis of circular bioeconomy policy measures" are planned as outputs from A3.1. Participation in other project activities is also planned.</p>
<h3>Timetable</h3>
<p>Project start: 06/2023<br />Project end: 03/2026</p>
<h3>Project cooperation</h3>
<p>Landwirtschaftsministerium - Abteilung für Agrarforschung und Agrarumweltmanagement (HU); Bay Zoltán Nonprofit LTD for Applied Research - Abteilung für Biomasseproduktion und -verwertung (HU); Alma Mater Studiorum Universität Bologna - Abteilung für industrielle Chemie Toso montanari (IT); Tschechische Universität für Lebenswissenschaften Prag - Fakultät für Forst- und Holzwissenschaften (CZ); Landwirtschaftliche Forschung, LtD Troubsko (CZ); Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation Research State Institute - Department of Bioeconomy and Systems Analysis (PL); Institute for Circular Economy (HR); Institute for Sustainable Development (SI); University of Ljubljana - Biotechnical Faculty (SI); Bioeconomy Cluster (SK); Croatian Chamber of Agriculture - Department of Agricultural Policy, Innovation and International Cooperation (HR)</p>
<p> </p>BAB 057/22: Processing capacities for oilseeds and protein crops in Austria 2022-03-22T08:34:38+01:002022-03-22T08:34:38+01:00https://bab.gv.at/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2143:bab-057-22-processing-capacities-for-oilseeds-and-protein-crops-in-austria&catid=112&lang=en&Itemid=413Michaela Hager<p>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.</p>
<h3>Objective</h3>
<p>The project is based on a direct recommendation of the final report of the protein strategy with the aim of surveying and analyzing the processing and processing capacities in the field of protein crops in Austria to improve the representability of the value chain.<br />Due to the close links between the sectors, the oil plant sector will also be analyzed.In particular, the project aims to present the current national processing capacities for the various areas of use (food and animal feed) and to identify possible development potential.In this way, the surveys and analyses should also contribute to an improved presentation of supply balances.</p>
<h3>Work 2024</h3>
<p>Due to the unplanned and short-term work for the BML in 2022 and 2023 in connection with the various crises (Corona, Ukraine, crisis management team) and their consequences (energy crisis and inflation), area and database transfer from the LFRZ (ALFIS) and changes in other work to be carried out as a priority for the Ministry, the project will be extended by a further year.</p>
<ul>
<li>Literature research</li>
<li>Development of a survey design to determine current treatment and processing capacities and their potential in Austria</li>
<li>Recording of respondents and implementation of the survey and organization of expert meetings </li>
<li>Compilation of the results, analysis and graphical presentation and preparation of a final report</li>
</ul>
<h3>Schedule</h3>
<p>Project start: 01/2022<br />Project end: 12/2024</p>
<p> </p><p>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.</p>
<h3>Objective</h3>
<p>The project is based on a direct recommendation of the final report of the protein strategy with the aim of surveying and analyzing the processing and processing capacities in the field of protein crops in Austria to improve the representability of the value chain.<br />Due to the close links between the sectors, the oil plant sector will also be analyzed.In particular, the project aims to present the current national processing capacities for the various areas of use (food and animal feed) and to identify possible development potential.In this way, the surveys and analyses should also contribute to an improved presentation of supply balances.</p>
<h3>Work 2024</h3>
<p>Due to the unplanned and short-term work for the BML in 2022 and 2023 in connection with the various crises (Corona, Ukraine, crisis management team) and their consequences (energy crisis and inflation), area and database transfer from the LFRZ (ALFIS) and changes in other work to be carried out as a priority for the Ministry, the project will be extended by a further year.</p>
<ul>
<li>Literature research</li>
<li>Development of a survey design to determine current treatment and processing capacities and their potential in Austria</li>
<li>Recording of respondents and implementation of the survey and organization of expert meetings </li>
<li>Compilation of the results, analysis and graphical presentation and preparation of a final report</li>
</ul>
<h3>Schedule</h3>
<p>Project start: 01/2022<br />Project end: 12/2024</p>
<p> </p>BAB 055/22: Study on the Austrian seed industry2022-03-22T07:45:11+01:002022-03-22T07:45:11+01:00https://bab.gv.at/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2139:bab-055-22-study-on-the-austrian-seed-industry&catid=112&lang=en&Itemid=413Michaela Hager<p>Some parts of EU seed law date back to 1966 and need to be adapted to the changed framework conditions. After the legislative proposal drawn up by the European Commission (EC) to reform EU seed law was rejected by the European Parliament in 2014, the Commission has once again set itself the goal of reforming EU seed law. This reform process was re-initiated with an options paper published by the EC in April 2021 (SWD 2021). In addition, an EU-wide public online consultation on the reform options was conducted from January to March 2022. On July 5, 2023, the EU Commission finally published the draft revision of the Plant Reproductive Material (PRM) Directives. With the amendment of the EU Seed Regulation, the European Commission is pursuing the goal of simplifying the approval of new seeds and other plant reproductive material. To this end, it is planned to reduce the current multitude of directives to a single regulation.</p>
<h3>Objective</h3>
<p>To support the Austrian authorities in the negotiations, the Federal Institute of Agriculture and Mountain Farming is preparing a baseline study on the Austrian seed industry.<br />Within the framework of a detailed sector analysis, the study will cover, among other things, commodity flows (import/export), the propagation and reproduction of seed and planting material, the use of varieties (origin), as well as the value chain (number of jobs, structure of farms, required inputs and own inputs, links to other sectors), as well as the development of international trends in this area.One focus is on the seed potatoes sector, as there is hardly any data or literature available for this sector in Austria.The results are presented separately for the most important crop groups (vegetables, wine, fruit).Relevant stakeholders (AGES, associations, chambers, companies in the seed industry, NGOs) will be given the opportunity to actively participate in the reform process with their knowledge and to contribute their analyses, assessments and forecasts as a basis for argumentation for the negotiations at European level.</p>
<h3>Status of the work</h3>
<p>2023, an interim report was submitted to the specialist department as background information for the evaluation of the EC proposal on EU seed law.Based on the evaluation of databases, literature research and an assessment by industry representatives, results on the seed potatoes sector were summarized separately for the fruit, wine and vegetable crop groups.The research also showed that the existing data gaps regarding Austrian seed potatoes production are difficult to fill.</p>
<h3>Planned work in 2024</h3>
<p>After consultation with Department II/5, it became clear that data on the Austrian seed potatoes sector is of great importance. Based on the results already available, data and information will be collected by the end of the first half of 2024 with the help of interviews with relevant stakeholders, which will allow a picture of the Austrian seed potatoes sector to be sketched. The results will be summarized in a final report. Excerpts or partial results of the work will be presented at specialist events, conferences or in specialist media.</p>
<h3>Schedule</h3>
<p>Project start: 04/2022<br />Project end: 12/2024</p>
<p>Some parts of EU seed law date back to 1966 and need to be adapted to the changed framework conditions. After the legislative proposal drawn up by the European Commission (EC) to reform EU seed law was rejected by the European Parliament in 2014, the Commission has once again set itself the goal of reforming EU seed law. This reform process was re-initiated with an options paper published by the EC in April 2021 (SWD 2021). In addition, an EU-wide public online consultation on the reform options was conducted from January to March 2022. On July 5, 2023, the EU Commission finally published the draft revision of the Plant Reproductive Material (PRM) Directives. With the amendment of the EU Seed Regulation, the European Commission is pursuing the goal of simplifying the approval of new seeds and other plant reproductive material. To this end, it is planned to reduce the current multitude of directives to a single regulation.</p>
<h3>Objective</h3>
<p>To support the Austrian authorities in the negotiations, the Federal Institute of Agriculture and Mountain Farming is preparing a baseline study on the Austrian seed industry.<br />Within the framework of a detailed sector analysis, the study will cover, among other things, commodity flows (import/export), the propagation and reproduction of seed and planting material, the use of varieties (origin), as well as the value chain (number of jobs, structure of farms, required inputs and own inputs, links to other sectors), as well as the development of international trends in this area.One focus is on the seed potatoes sector, as there is hardly any data or literature available for this sector in Austria.The results are presented separately for the most important crop groups (vegetables, wine, fruit).Relevant stakeholders (AGES, associations, chambers, companies in the seed industry, NGOs) will be given the opportunity to actively participate in the reform process with their knowledge and to contribute their analyses, assessments and forecasts as a basis for argumentation for the negotiations at European level.</p>
<h3>Status of the work</h3>
<p>2023, an interim report was submitted to the specialist department as background information for the evaluation of the EC proposal on EU seed law.Based on the evaluation of databases, literature research and an assessment by industry representatives, results on the seed potatoes sector were summarized separately for the fruit, wine and vegetable crop groups.The research also showed that the existing data gaps regarding Austrian seed potatoes production are difficult to fill.</p>
<h3>Planned work in 2024</h3>
<p>After consultation with Department II/5, it became clear that data on the Austrian seed potatoes sector is of great importance. Based on the results already available, data and information will be collected by the end of the first half of 2024 with the help of interviews with relevant stakeholders, which will allow a picture of the Austrian seed potatoes sector to be sketched. The results will be summarized in a final report. Excerpts or partial results of the work will be presented at specialist events, conferences or in specialist media.</p>
<h3>Schedule</h3>
<p>Project start: 04/2022<br />Project end: 12/2024</p>
Study on the adaptation stragegies of the sugar supply chain after the end of the sugar quotas2022-02-01T12:16:21+01:002022-02-01T12:16:21+01:00https://bab.gv.at/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2124:study-on-the-adaptation-stragegies-of-the-sugar-supply-chain-after-the-end-of-the-sugar-quotas&catid=143&lang=en&Itemid=413Michaela Hager<p>On 31 January 2022, the European Commission published the study "Adaptation strategies of the sugar supply chain after the end of sugar quotas". The Federal Institute of Agricultural Economics, Rural and Mountain Research contributed to this work with a case study conducted in spring 2021. The study examines the consequences of the end of quotas for the EU sugar sector and assesses whether and to what extent the sector's adjustment strategies are appropriate for responding to the changed market and production conditions.<br /><br /></p>
<p>The descriptive part of the study summarises the legal framework of sugar production in the EU and provides an overview of the international sugar market and the structures of sugar production in the EU. In the analytical part, the study deals with specific topics (e.g. factors of competitiveness) and describes them on the basis of 13 questions from the perspective of selected countries. . The study shows that low production costs in sugar beet production and processing are important for a high resilience of the sugar sector in the light of changing regulatory and market conditions. Furthermore, contractual agreements between the actors have an overall beneficial effect when it comes to planning and strengthening the economic performance of the sector. Structural characteristics of sugar producers, such as their size, level of diversification and the duration of the sugar beet campaign, also contribute to the economic viability and stability of the sugar sector.</p>
<p>Further information on the study and the sugar sector can be found at<br /> <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/info/food-farming-fisheries/key-policies/common-agricultural-policy/cmef/products-and-markets/adaptation-strategies-sugar-supply-chain-after-end-quotas_en">https://ec.europa.eu/info/food-farming-fisheries/key-policies/common-agricultural-policy/cmef/products-and-markets/adaptation-strategies-sugar-supply-chain-after-end-quotas_en</a> <em>(Zugriff am 01.02.2022).<br /></em></p>
<p>{rsfiles path="Publikationen/BAB/Abschlussberichte/sugar supply chain_end_sugar quotas_study_2022_01_31.pdf"}</p>
<p>{rsfiles path="Publikationen/BAB/Abschlussberichte/sugar supply chain_end_sugar quotas_executive_summary_2022_01_31.pdf"}</p>
<p> </p><p>On 31 January 2022, the European Commission published the study "Adaptation strategies of the sugar supply chain after the end of sugar quotas". The Federal Institute of Agricultural Economics, Rural and Mountain Research contributed to this work with a case study conducted in spring 2021. The study examines the consequences of the end of quotas for the EU sugar sector and assesses whether and to what extent the sector's adjustment strategies are appropriate for responding to the changed market and production conditions.<br /><br /></p>
<p>The descriptive part of the study summarises the legal framework of sugar production in the EU and provides an overview of the international sugar market and the structures of sugar production in the EU. In the analytical part, the study deals with specific topics (e.g. factors of competitiveness) and describes them on the basis of 13 questions from the perspective of selected countries. . The study shows that low production costs in sugar beet production and processing are important for a high resilience of the sugar sector in the light of changing regulatory and market conditions. Furthermore, contractual agreements between the actors have an overall beneficial effect when it comes to planning and strengthening the economic performance of the sector. Structural characteristics of sugar producers, such as their size, level of diversification and the duration of the sugar beet campaign, also contribute to the economic viability and stability of the sugar sector.</p>
<p>Further information on the study and the sugar sector can be found at<br /> <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/info/food-farming-fisheries/key-policies/common-agricultural-policy/cmef/products-and-markets/adaptation-strategies-sugar-supply-chain-after-end-quotas_en">https://ec.europa.eu/info/food-farming-fisheries/key-policies/common-agricultural-policy/cmef/products-and-markets/adaptation-strategies-sugar-supply-chain-after-end-quotas_en</a> <em>(Zugriff am 01.02.2022).<br /></em></p>
<p>{rsfiles path="Publikationen/BAB/Abschlussberichte/sugar supply chain_end_sugar quotas_study_2022_01_31.pdf"}</p>
<p>{rsfiles path="Publikationen/BAB/Abschlussberichte/sugar supply chain_end_sugar quotas_executive_summary_2022_01_31.pdf"}</p>
<p> </p>Poster: Family Farmers on The Move: Possibilities and Challenges2021-06-30T08:24:16+02:002021-06-30T08:24:16+02:00https://bab.gv.at/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2024:family-farmers-on-the-move-possibilities-and-challenges&catid=143&lang=en&Itemid=413Michaela Hager<p><em>Nidal Shaban, University of Forestry Sofia, Bulgaria / ISLE ASSOCIATION</em><br /><em>Erika Quendler, Federal Institute of Agricultural Economics, Rural and Mountain Research, Austria / ISLE ASSOCIATION</em><br /><em>Iman Kadhum, Agricultural Academy Sofia, Bulgaria / ISLE ASSOCIATION</em><br /><em>Noureddin Driouech, International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies - CIHEAM Bari, Italy / ISLE ASSOCIATION</em></p>
<p>The poster aims to promote a wide and constructive discussion on the current status and challenges facing family farmers going to the market.</p>
<p>The <u>6<sup>th</sup> International ISEKI-Food conference</u> (<a href="https://iseki-food2020.isekiconferences.com/en/">https://iseki-food2020.isekiconferences.com/en/</a>) offered to share this research work across its considerable network. The main focus of this conference was “Sustainable Development Goals in Food Systems: Challenges and Opportunities for the Future”. The conference took place from 23<sup>rd</sup> to 25<sup>th</sup> June 2021.</p>
<p>In the context of this conference the research behind this poster contribution covers the Austrian perspective. This, in turn, provides further food for thought in this important debate for the future.</p><p><em>Nidal Shaban, University of Forestry Sofia, Bulgaria / ISLE ASSOCIATION</em><br /><em>Erika Quendler, Federal Institute of Agricultural Economics, Rural and Mountain Research, Austria / ISLE ASSOCIATION</em><br /><em>Iman Kadhum, Agricultural Academy Sofia, Bulgaria / ISLE ASSOCIATION</em><br /><em>Noureddin Driouech, International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies - CIHEAM Bari, Italy / ISLE ASSOCIATION</em></p>
<p>The poster aims to promote a wide and constructive discussion on the current status and challenges facing family farmers going to the market.</p>
<p>The <u>6<sup>th</sup> International ISEKI-Food conference</u> (<a href="https://iseki-food2020.isekiconferences.com/en/">https://iseki-food2020.isekiconferences.com/en/</a>) offered to share this research work across its considerable network. The main focus of this conference was “Sustainable Development Goals in Food Systems: Challenges and Opportunities for the Future”. The conference took place from 23<sup>rd</sup> to 25<sup>th</sup> June 2021.</p>
<p>In the context of this conference the research behind this poster contribution covers the Austrian perspective. This, in turn, provides further food for thought in this important debate for the future.</p>BAB 034/20: Evaluation of the national strategy for operational programs of fruit and vegetable producer organisations2020-01-01T10:22:09+01:002020-01-01T10:22:09+01:00https://bab.gv.at/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=262:bab-034-20-evaluation-of-the-national-strategy-for-operational-programs-of-fruit-and-vegetable-producer-organisations&catid=112&lang=en&Itemid=413Michaela Hager<p>Recognized producer organizations (POs) for fruit and vegetables can develop so-called "Operational Programs" (OP) within the framework of the common organization of agricultural markets, which are co-financed by the European Union. According to the legislation concerning the common organization of agricultural markets (Art. 36 of Regulation (EU) No. 1308/2013), the Operational Programs must be implemented on the basis of a "National Strategy". <br />The task of the National Strategy is to support the use of existing development potentials of the POs, taking into account the very heterogeneous structures and orientations. This is to be achieved, among other things, by improving the supply and marketing structures and increasing competitiveness both at the level of the POs and at the level of the producers. In addition, POs must - also with regard to the legitimacy of the support - increasingly take into account social requirements such as those with regard to environmental protection, sustainability or health aspects.<br />According to Art. 58 of Regulation (EU) No. 2017/891, an evaluation of the National Strategy is foreseen in 2020. The Federal Institute for Agriculture and Mountain Farming is carrying out the evaluation on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Regions and Tourism (BMLRT).</p>
<hr class="system-pagebreak" />
<p>The evaluation is intended to provide fundamental insights for improving the quality of future National Strategies and, in particular, to identify any shortcomings in the definition of objectives, eligible measures or a need to revise established instruments. Furthermore, the degree of utilization of the available funds as well as the impact and efficiency of the operational programs will be examined. The evaluation will also serve to assess progress towards the overall objectives of the strategy.<br />The results of the evaluation can help to improve the quality of the strategy in terms of coherence and relevance of the implemented actions and to determine whether a significant change in the strategy is needed. Thus, the results provide input to both the authorities, the implementing agency and the POs themselves for the future design of the national strategy and/or the operational programs.</p>
<p>The year 2020 was marked by the Covid 19 pandemic. In view of the associated challenges in the operation of public administrations in the Member States, the European Commission extended the deadline for the submission of the evaluation report to June 30, 2021. Important contents of the project work in 2020 included the familiarization with the evaluation subject matter as well as the preparation of the data and documents provided by the BMLRT and AMA. In this way, data gaps could be identified with regard to the evaluation questions to be answered and an appropriate procedure for closing them could be planned. Further activities in 2020 included the development of a guideline for the survey.</p>
<p>2021, the stakeholder consultation was completed, its results analysed and used together with other sources to answer the evaluation questions and summarised in a report.<br /><br />This report, "Evaluation of the National Strategy for Sustainable Operational Programmes in the Fruit and Vegetable Sector 2013-2018", evaluating the National Strategy for Operational Programmes of recognised fruit and vegetable producer organisations, assesses the progress made in implementing the objectives set out in the National Strategy. Following the evaluation guidelines of the European Commission, the report focuses on specific evaluation issues, but also provides insights into the structures of the Austrian fruit and vegetable sector. Based on the evaluation results, recommendations are also derived to help those responsible for the future design of the National Strategies.</p>
<p>Project start: January 2020<br />Project end: December 2021</p>
<p>Recognized producer organizations (POs) for fruit and vegetables can develop so-called "Operational Programs" (OP) within the framework of the common organization of agricultural markets, which are co-financed by the European Union. According to the legislation concerning the common organization of agricultural markets (Art. 36 of Regulation (EU) No. 1308/2013), the Operational Programs must be implemented on the basis of a "National Strategy". <br />The task of the National Strategy is to support the use of existing development potentials of the POs, taking into account the very heterogeneous structures and orientations. This is to be achieved, among other things, by improving the supply and marketing structures and increasing competitiveness both at the level of the POs and at the level of the producers. In addition, POs must - also with regard to the legitimacy of the support - increasingly take into account social requirements such as those with regard to environmental protection, sustainability or health aspects.<br />According to Art. 58 of Regulation (EU) No. 2017/891, an evaluation of the National Strategy is foreseen in 2020. The Federal Institute for Agriculture and Mountain Farming is carrying out the evaluation on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Regions and Tourism (BMLRT).</p>
<hr class="system-pagebreak" />
<p>The evaluation is intended to provide fundamental insights for improving the quality of future National Strategies and, in particular, to identify any shortcomings in the definition of objectives, eligible measures or a need to revise established instruments. Furthermore, the degree of utilization of the available funds as well as the impact and efficiency of the operational programs will be examined. The evaluation will also serve to assess progress towards the overall objectives of the strategy.<br />The results of the evaluation can help to improve the quality of the strategy in terms of coherence and relevance of the implemented actions and to determine whether a significant change in the strategy is needed. Thus, the results provide input to both the authorities, the implementing agency and the POs themselves for the future design of the national strategy and/or the operational programs.</p>
<p>The year 2020 was marked by the Covid 19 pandemic. In view of the associated challenges in the operation of public administrations in the Member States, the European Commission extended the deadline for the submission of the evaluation report to June 30, 2021. Important contents of the project work in 2020 included the familiarization with the evaluation subject matter as well as the preparation of the data and documents provided by the BMLRT and AMA. In this way, data gaps could be identified with regard to the evaluation questions to be answered and an appropriate procedure for closing them could be planned. Further activities in 2020 included the development of a guideline for the survey.</p>
<p>2021, the stakeholder consultation was completed, its results analysed and used together with other sources to answer the evaluation questions and summarised in a report.<br /><br />This report, "Evaluation of the National Strategy for Sustainable Operational Programmes in the Fruit and Vegetable Sector 2013-2018", evaluating the National Strategy for Operational Programmes of recognised fruit and vegetable producer organisations, assesses the progress made in implementing the objectives set out in the National Strategy. Following the evaluation guidelines of the European Commission, the report focuses on specific evaluation issues, but also provides insights into the structures of the Austrian fruit and vegetable sector. Based on the evaluation results, recommendations are also derived to help those responsible for the future design of the National Strategies.</p>
<p>Project start: January 2020<br />Project end: December 2021</p>
BAB 019/19: Development of the organic market in Austria and other selected regions 2019-01-02T13:56:11+01:002019-01-02T13:56:11+01:00https://bab.gv.at/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=240:bab-019-19-development-of-the-organic-market-in-austria-and-other-selected-regions&catid=112&lang=en&Itemid=413Michaela Hager<p>In recent years the share of organic farms in Austria has increased significantly. In addition to the traditionally high shares in grassland, there has recently also been a strong trend towards organic farming in arable farming and in permanent crops. This growth on the supply side is contrasted by a demand for organic products that is also developing dynamically. Taking into account the product groups of the household panel (RollAMA) of AMA Marketing, the value-based market share of organic products in food retailing in 2019 (as of January to September 2019) was 9.3%. A look beyond Austria's borders shows that the production of organic food is also increasing in traditional export countries. In addition, the European Commission is pursuing the goal of EU-wide growth of the organic market in its proposals for the "Green Deal". In 2020, the organic sector, like probably all other economic sectors, was marked by the Covid 19 crisis and its effects. In this respect, the crisis resistance and resilience of the agricultural and food sector in general and that of the organic sector in particular represent a current starting point for the project.</p>
<p>In recent years the share of organic farms in Austria has increased significantly. In addition to the traditionally high shares in grassland, there has recently also been a strong trend towards organic farming in arable farming and in permanent crops. This growth on the supply side is contrasted by a demand for organic products that is also developing dynamically. Taking into account the product groups of the household panel (RollAMA) of AMA Marketing, the value-based market share of organic products in food retailing in 2019 (as of January to September 2019) was 9.3%. A look beyond Austria's borders shows that the production of organic food is also increasing in traditional export countries. In addition, the European Commission is pursuing the goal of EU-wide growth of the organic market in its proposals for the "Green Deal". In 2020, the organic sector, like probably all other economic sectors, was marked by the Covid 19 crisis and its effects. In this respect, the crisis resistance and resilience of the agricultural and food sector in general and that of the organic sector in particular represent a current starting point for the project.</p>
AWI 180/17: Options for stabilising income of agricultural holdings2017-04-03T12:00:28+02:002017-04-03T12:00:28+02:00https://bab.gv.at/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=232:awi-180-17-options-for-stabilising-income-of-agricultural-holdings&catid=112&lang=en&Itemid=413Michaela Hager<h3>Initial situation</h3>
<p>The income of a farm fluctuates because the components of income (volumes, prices, agricultural payments, etc.) also fluctuate. Various influencing factors are cited in the literature as causes of price volatility in procurement and sales markets, including changes in supply and demand, environmental conditions (e.g. weather extremes resulting in crop failures), changes in trade policy (e.g. trade restrictions) or macroeconomic factors (e.g. global money supply). Uncertainty (i.e. risk) regarding the future price level and its development arises due to the multitude of influencing factors and their interplay. Unfavourable price developments can cause a sharp drop in income at the individual farm level and subsequently endanger the existence of the farm. In the EU, various possibilities exist in the CAP period 2014-2020 to reduce income risks (e.g. risk management instruments according to Article 39 of Regulation (EU) 1305/2013). Other economies (e.g. USA, Canada) have been applying income stabilisation instruments in agriculture for a long time.</p>
<h3>Objective</h3>
<p>The aim of the project is to analyse possibilities for income stabilisation in Austrian agriculture. The analysis should include different sources of information (e.g. Austrian and international literature, data sets). Concrete problems are to be addressed with the help of different methods (e.g. workshops, surveys, model calculations). Core questions were: Does the participant pay in more for price protection than he/she receives in payouts? What is the need for public funds with a premium subsidy of 55%? Does the price protection have an income-stabilising effect?</p>
<h3>Project procedure</h3>
<p>In 2017, an initial literature review was conducted on the topic. In addition, a possible concept of an index-based income insurance was discussed and presented in cooperation with WIFO (Franz Sinabell, Thomas Url) (AES Annual Conference 2017, Dublin; WIFO Working Paper, No. 536/2017).</p>
<p>Within the framework of the project AWI/180/17, the Federal Institute of Agricultural Economics and Mining Research (BAB) participated in the project "Development of instruments for income stabilisation for milk and wheat producing farms in Austria" commissioned by the Lower Austrian Chamber of Agriculture from 2018 to 2021. Based on comprehensive research and evaluation of established solutions, a needs analysis was carried out through interviews with experts from business, science and interest groups in order to create a meaningful basis for model development. From the needs analysis it could be derived that there is a high interest in an affordable, flexible and effective instrument against price fluctuations. Based on these findings, different price hedging variants were defined and their influence on the stabilisation of agricultural income was analysed. The analyses were carried out separately for milk (cow's milk: conventional, organic) and selected arable crops (wheat, grain maize and rape: conventional) at the individual farm level and the extrapolated level for Austria. The work of the BAB included in particular:</p>
<ul>
<li>the organisation and implementation of two workshops in which the participants (a sample consisting of working group farm managers) were surveyed regarding their interest in price hedging and their requirements for price hedging (work package 2.3);</li>
<li>the provision of a data set that was used as an example to develop the price hedging models studied (work package 2.5);</li>
<li>an analysis of micro- and macroeconomic effects of the insurance model developed in this project (work package 2.6);</li>
<li>the dissemination of the results (work package 2.7).</li>
</ul>
<p>The project was completed in 2020 and selected results were published in 2020 and 2021.</p>
<h3>Project results</h3>
<p>The present work deals in particular with the hedging of the producer price of milk and cash crops (wheat, maize, rapeseed).</p>
<p>Extrapolated to Austria, the need for subsidies amounts to 33.4 million euros per year. In a comparison "with/without price hedging", price hedging reduces the fluctuations in income from agriculture and forestry for about 84% of all dairy farms, and in the case of specialised farms for almost 90% of the farms.</p>
<p>For cash crop farms (>50 t annual sales volumes of wheat, grain maize, rape), the calculations show a positive balance of payments and subsidised premiums (55% premium subsidies) of 1,089 euros per farm and year for the observation period 2008 to 2018. The extrapolated subsidy requirement for Austria is 22.1 million euros per year. For about 58% of the extrapolated farms, the fluctuations in income from agriculture and forestry decrease.</p>
<p>Under the assumptions made and due to the degree of specialisation, price hedging has a stronger income stabilising effect on dairy farms than on arable farms. It should be noted that the results are highly dependent on model and data specifications and the observation period.</p>
<p>Selected project results were published in 2020 and 2021.</p>
<p>Grüneis H., Heinschink K., Hambrusch J., Tribl C., Haslinger M., Url T., Scharner M., Sinabell F., Steinkellner M. (2020): Ergebnisbericht zum Projekt "Entwicklung von Instrumenten zur Einkommensstabilisierung für Milch und Weizen produzierende Betriebe in Österreich". Status: 29.10.2020. Vienna. URL: <a href="https://dafne.at/content/report_release/24da91df-b255-4a68-9b4a-e2914ac39dbb_0.pdf">https://dafne.at/content/report_release/24da91df-b255-4a68-9b4a-e2914ac39dbb_0.pdf</a> (abgefragt: 10.01.2022).</p>
<p>Heinschink K., Hambrusch J., Tribl C., Grüneis H., Scharner M. (2020): Auswirkungen einer Preisabsicherung auf die Einkommen landwirtschaftlicher Betriebe. Short paper in the proceedings 2020, pp. 53-54. 30th Annual Meeting of the Austrian Society for Agricultural Economics, 17.09.2020, online. URL: <a href="https://oega.boku.ac.at/fileadmin/user_upload/Tagung/2020/OEGA_Tagungsband_2020.pdf">https://oega.boku.ac.at/fileadmin/user_upload/Tagung/2020/OEGA_Tagungsband_2020.pdf</a> (retrieved: 02.02.2022).</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Hambrusch J., Heinschink K., Tribl C., Grüneis H. (2020): Effects of price hedging on farm incomes: Selected results for dairy farms. Paper presented at the 30th Annual Meeting of the Austrian Society for Agricultural Economics, 17.09.2020, online.</p>
<p>Hambrusch J., Heinschink K., Tribl C., Scharner, M. (2021): Analyse eines Instruments zur Absicherung des Erzeugermilchpreises - Simulationsergebnisse für Milchbetriebe in Österreich (Analysis of an instrument for milk price hedging - simulation results for Austrian dairy farms). Austrian Journal of AGricultural Economics and Rural Studies (AJARS), Vol. 30, pp. 35-43. DOI 10.15203/OEGA_30.6 URL: <a href="https://oega.boku.ac.at/fileadmin/user_upload/Tagung/2020/AJARS30/09_Hambrusch_et_al_DOI30_6.pdf">https://oega.boku.ac.at/fileadmin/user_upload/Tagung/2020/AJARS30/09_Hambrusch_et_al_DOI30_6.pdf</a> (retrieved: 10.01.2022).<br /><br />BMLRT - Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Regions and Tourism (s.a.): "MARGIN-RISK". Project entry in the Database for Research on Sustainable Development (DaFNE). URL: <a href="https://dafne.at/projekte/margin-risk">https://dafne.at/projekte/margin-risk</a> (retrieved: 10.01.2022).</p>
<h3>Timetable</h3>
<p>Project start: April 2017<br /><br />Project end: June 2021<br /><br /><br />Project page: https://dafne.at/projekte/margin-risk</p>
<p> </p>
<h3>Initial situation</h3>
<p>The income of a farm fluctuates because the components of income (volumes, prices, agricultural payments, etc.) also fluctuate. Various influencing factors are cited in the literature as causes of price volatility in procurement and sales markets, including changes in supply and demand, environmental conditions (e.g. weather extremes resulting in crop failures), changes in trade policy (e.g. trade restrictions) or macroeconomic factors (e.g. global money supply). Uncertainty (i.e. risk) regarding the future price level and its development arises due to the multitude of influencing factors and their interplay. Unfavourable price developments can cause a sharp drop in income at the individual farm level and subsequently endanger the existence of the farm. In the EU, various possibilities exist in the CAP period 2014-2020 to reduce income risks (e.g. risk management instruments according to Article 39 of Regulation (EU) 1305/2013). Other economies (e.g. USA, Canada) have been applying income stabilisation instruments in agriculture for a long time.</p>
<h3>Objective</h3>
<p>The aim of the project is to analyse possibilities for income stabilisation in Austrian agriculture. The analysis should include different sources of information (e.g. Austrian and international literature, data sets). Concrete problems are to be addressed with the help of different methods (e.g. workshops, surveys, model calculations). Core questions were: Does the participant pay in more for price protection than he/she receives in payouts? What is the need for public funds with a premium subsidy of 55%? Does the price protection have an income-stabilising effect?</p>
<h3>Project procedure</h3>
<p>In 2017, an initial literature review was conducted on the topic. In addition, a possible concept of an index-based income insurance was discussed and presented in cooperation with WIFO (Franz Sinabell, Thomas Url) (AES Annual Conference 2017, Dublin; WIFO Working Paper, No. 536/2017).</p>
<p>Within the framework of the project AWI/180/17, the Federal Institute of Agricultural Economics and Mining Research (BAB) participated in the project "Development of instruments for income stabilisation for milk and wheat producing farms in Austria" commissioned by the Lower Austrian Chamber of Agriculture from 2018 to 2021. Based on comprehensive research and evaluation of established solutions, a needs analysis was carried out through interviews with experts from business, science and interest groups in order to create a meaningful basis for model development. From the needs analysis it could be derived that there is a high interest in an affordable, flexible and effective instrument against price fluctuations. Based on these findings, different price hedging variants were defined and their influence on the stabilisation of agricultural income was analysed. The analyses were carried out separately for milk (cow's milk: conventional, organic) and selected arable crops (wheat, grain maize and rape: conventional) at the individual farm level and the extrapolated level for Austria. The work of the BAB included in particular:</p>
<ul>
<li>the organisation and implementation of two workshops in which the participants (a sample consisting of working group farm managers) were surveyed regarding their interest in price hedging and their requirements for price hedging (work package 2.3);</li>
<li>the provision of a data set that was used as an example to develop the price hedging models studied (work package 2.5);</li>
<li>an analysis of micro- and macroeconomic effects of the insurance model developed in this project (work package 2.6);</li>
<li>the dissemination of the results (work package 2.7).</li>
</ul>
<p>The project was completed in 2020 and selected results were published in 2020 and 2021.</p>
<h3>Project results</h3>
<p>The present work deals in particular with the hedging of the producer price of milk and cash crops (wheat, maize, rapeseed).</p>
<p>Extrapolated to Austria, the need for subsidies amounts to 33.4 million euros per year. In a comparison "with/without price hedging", price hedging reduces the fluctuations in income from agriculture and forestry for about 84% of all dairy farms, and in the case of specialised farms for almost 90% of the farms.</p>
<p>For cash crop farms (>50 t annual sales volumes of wheat, grain maize, rape), the calculations show a positive balance of payments and subsidised premiums (55% premium subsidies) of 1,089 euros per farm and year for the observation period 2008 to 2018. The extrapolated subsidy requirement for Austria is 22.1 million euros per year. For about 58% of the extrapolated farms, the fluctuations in income from agriculture and forestry decrease.</p>
<p>Under the assumptions made and due to the degree of specialisation, price hedging has a stronger income stabilising effect on dairy farms than on arable farms. It should be noted that the results are highly dependent on model and data specifications and the observation period.</p>
<p>Selected project results were published in 2020 and 2021.</p>
<p>Grüneis H., Heinschink K., Hambrusch J., Tribl C., Haslinger M., Url T., Scharner M., Sinabell F., Steinkellner M. (2020): Ergebnisbericht zum Projekt "Entwicklung von Instrumenten zur Einkommensstabilisierung für Milch und Weizen produzierende Betriebe in Österreich". Status: 29.10.2020. Vienna. URL: <a href="https://dafne.at/content/report_release/24da91df-b255-4a68-9b4a-e2914ac39dbb_0.pdf">https://dafne.at/content/report_release/24da91df-b255-4a68-9b4a-e2914ac39dbb_0.pdf</a> (abgefragt: 10.01.2022).</p>
<p>Heinschink K., Hambrusch J., Tribl C., Grüneis H., Scharner M. (2020): Auswirkungen einer Preisabsicherung auf die Einkommen landwirtschaftlicher Betriebe. Short paper in the proceedings 2020, pp. 53-54. 30th Annual Meeting of the Austrian Society for Agricultural Economics, 17.09.2020, online. URL: <a href="https://oega.boku.ac.at/fileadmin/user_upload/Tagung/2020/OEGA_Tagungsband_2020.pdf">https://oega.boku.ac.at/fileadmin/user_upload/Tagung/2020/OEGA_Tagungsband_2020.pdf</a> (retrieved: 02.02.2022).</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Hambrusch J., Heinschink K., Tribl C., Grüneis H. (2020): Effects of price hedging on farm incomes: Selected results for dairy farms. Paper presented at the 30th Annual Meeting of the Austrian Society for Agricultural Economics, 17.09.2020, online.</p>
<p>Hambrusch J., Heinschink K., Tribl C., Scharner, M. (2021): Analyse eines Instruments zur Absicherung des Erzeugermilchpreises - Simulationsergebnisse für Milchbetriebe in Österreich (Analysis of an instrument for milk price hedging - simulation results for Austrian dairy farms). Austrian Journal of AGricultural Economics and Rural Studies (AJARS), Vol. 30, pp. 35-43. DOI 10.15203/OEGA_30.6 URL: <a href="https://oega.boku.ac.at/fileadmin/user_upload/Tagung/2020/AJARS30/09_Hambrusch_et_al_DOI30_6.pdf">https://oega.boku.ac.at/fileadmin/user_upload/Tagung/2020/AJARS30/09_Hambrusch_et_al_DOI30_6.pdf</a> (retrieved: 10.01.2022).<br /><br />BMLRT - Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Regions and Tourism (s.a.): "MARGIN-RISK". Project entry in the Database for Research on Sustainable Development (DaFNE). URL: <a href="https://dafne.at/projekte/margin-risk">https://dafne.at/projekte/margin-risk</a> (retrieved: 10.01.2022).</p>
<h3>Timetable</h3>
<p>Project start: April 2017<br /><br />Project end: June 2021<br /><br /><br />Project page: https://dafne.at/projekte/margin-risk</p>
<p> </p>
BAB 008/01: Comparative analyses of economic data in cash crop farming used in further education programmes2001-01-02T16:17:19+01:002001-01-02T16:17:19+01:00https://bab.gv.at/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=214:bab-008-01-comparative-analyses-of-economic-data-in-cash-crop-farming-used-in-further-education-programmes&catid=112&lang=en&Itemid=413Michaela Hager<h3>Initial situation</h3>
<p>The "Arable farming" working group advisory service has been a successful nationwide training and advisory focus for many years. The top priority is the higher qualification of farmers. Farm comparisons are an important part of the working group's work. The evaluation and analysis of individual farm records and the presentation of the most important production and economic parameters, together with the exchange of experience, form the basis for the work of the working group.</p>
<h3>Objective</h3>
<p>The aim of the project is to evaluate technical production and economic data and, building on this, to produce a national report based on the farm branch evaluations of the participating working group farms. The recorded data can be used, for example, to estimate crop rotation effects, determine the yield potential of individual fields or compare the economic efficiency of crop rotations. In this respect, the Federal Institute of Agricultural Economics supports the working groups in data preparation and verification (machine costs), the further development of the content of the working group's work and the preparation of reports.</p>
<h3>Status of the project</h3>
<p>As in previous years, the farms recorded field-specific data in 2023. This data is entered into a central web-based database, subjected to a plausibility check, processed, evaluated and presented in the form of a federal report. For the year 2023, the database includes 685 conventional or organic farms with a total area of around 30,644 ha in the federal states of Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Styria, Burgenland and Carinthia. In addition to processing the machinery costs (plausibility checks, calculation), the main tasks of the Federal Agency for Agriculture include writing individual chapters of the report. Since 2017, the data has been evaluated on the basis of the revised online field index.</p>
<h3>Work in 2024</h3>
<p>In 2024, all farm data transmitted at arable field level must also be transferred to the existing interface of the database, checked and evaluated. In this regard, it is necessary to carry out a plausibility check of the data in advance and to adjust the values stored in the database in accordance with the ÖKL guideline values for machinery and equipment. Furthermore, cooperation in the preparation of the federal report is also planned.</p>
<h3>Initial situation</h3>
<p>The "Arable farming" working group advisory service has been a successful nationwide training and advisory focus for many years. The top priority is the higher qualification of farmers. Farm comparisons are an important part of the working group's work. The evaluation and analysis of individual farm records and the presentation of the most important production and economic parameters, together with the exchange of experience, form the basis for the work of the working group.</p>
<h3>Objective</h3>
<p>The aim of the project is to evaluate technical production and economic data and, building on this, to produce a national report based on the farm branch evaluations of the participating working group farms. The recorded data can be used, for example, to estimate crop rotation effects, determine the yield potential of individual fields or compare the economic efficiency of crop rotations. In this respect, the Federal Institute of Agricultural Economics supports the working groups in data preparation and verification (machine costs), the further development of the content of the working group's work and the preparation of reports.</p>
<h3>Status of the project</h3>
<p>As in previous years, the farms recorded field-specific data in 2023. This data is entered into a central web-based database, subjected to a plausibility check, processed, evaluated and presented in the form of a federal report. For the year 2023, the database includes 685 conventional or organic farms with a total area of around 30,644 ha in the federal states of Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Styria, Burgenland and Carinthia. In addition to processing the machinery costs (plausibility checks, calculation), the main tasks of the Federal Agency for Agriculture include writing individual chapters of the report. Since 2017, the data has been evaluated on the basis of the revised online field index.</p>
<h3>Work in 2024</h3>
<p>In 2024, all farm data transmitted at arable field level must also be transferred to the existing interface of the database, checked and evaluated. In this regard, it is necessary to carry out a plausibility check of the data in advance and to adjust the values stored in the database in accordance with the ÖKL guideline values for machinery and equipment. Furthermore, cooperation in the preparation of the federal report is also planned.</p>