Organic Farming in Austria 2002 - Organic Europe

Austriahttp://www.organic-europe.net/country_reports/austria/2002/TMPf3vu4j4i61.aspPage 12 of 1604.05.2009In addition, agricultural colleges constitute essential partners for cooperationin scientific experiments (on cultivation, varieties, etc.).11.2 Training Programme for Organic FarmersThe Association of Agriculture for Upper Austria in Linz offers a oneyearspecialised programme for organic farmers. It serves to train futureopinion-makers and organic farming advisors. The programme coverstheory and practice. It incorporates the links between animal husbandry,soil biology and agricultural ecology. Furthermore, it looks at importantquestions pertaining to species-appropriate animal husbandry,computer operation, legal aspects and business management.top of page11.3 Magazines With Regular Articles on Organic Farming inAustria• Ernte Zeitschrift fuer Oekologie und LandwirtschaftNewsletter of the farmers’ association Ernte. Articles cover ideasand information on organic farming techniques, processing, andmarketing. ERNTE fuer das Leben (ed.), Europaplatz 4, 4020Linz, Austria.• Mitteilungen des Demeter-BundesBio-dynamic news; information for members of the bio-dynamicfarmers’ association Demeter. Oesterreichischer Demeter-Bund(ed.), Hietzinger Kai 127/2/31, 1130 Vienna, Austria.• Freiland-JournalNewsletter of the Freilaender farmers’ association; specialemphasis on species-appropriate animal husbandry. Freiland-Verband fuer Oekologisch-tiergerechte Nutztierhaltung undgesunde Ernaehrung (ed.), Wickenburggasse 14, 1080 Vienna,Austria.• Die Bergbauern (The Mountain Farmers)Emphasis on technical, social and political problems of farmersliving under severe natural conditions with fields at higheraltitudes and with steep slopes. OesterreichischeBergbauernvereinigung (ed.), Herklotzgasse 7/21, 1150 Vienna,Austria.• OekoLand: Zeitschrift fuer biologischen Landbau, Oekologie,Ernaehrung und AgrarpolitikNewsletter covering aspects of ecology, nutrition, organicfarming and politics.• Verein Oekowirt-Informationsservice fuer Bauern undKonsumenten (ed.), Feyregg 39, 4552 Wartberg, Austria.top of page12 Advisory ServiceMost farmers’ associations offer advisory services to their members.Advice is also provided by the provincial agricultural associations andthe regional farmers’ associations.In addition, most organic farmers’ associations publish magazines withcontributions on organic farming. The quality and frequency of theadvisory services depend upon the requests, the availability ofpersonnel and the advisors’ qualifications. The Federal Ministry ofAgriculture and Forestry offers a training programme for advisorsspecialising in organic farming. Agricultural schools with an emphasison organic farming offer advisory services as well.top of pageSince the sharp increase in the number of organic farms in Austria inthe 1990s, there have often not been enough advisory staff available.Farmers who are not members of a farmers’ association often have noaccess to qualified advisory services.