Salzburg Leads in Bio-Agriculture with Europe’s Highest Percentage
Hallein/Tamsweg – Within the European Union, the Austrian state of Salzburg holds a top position in ecological farming. With over 3,550 operations in every district, about 57% of the agricultural area is cultivated bio-dynamically, making it the highest percentage in Europe. The Lungau and Tennengau regions are at the forefront of this success.
"I’m delighted to report that bio-agriculture in Salzburg rests on a solid foundation and is an economic success," said Sepp Schwaiger, the state’s agricultural councillor. "Our farmers produce high-quality products, ensuring the land’s food self-sufficiency. People value security, short transport routes, and knowing the origin and production conditions of their milk, cheese, and meat – that’s what our local farmers stand for."
According to the state’s data, Salzburg has more bio-operations than any other region in Europe. The Lungau and Tennengau lead within the state, with nearly three-quarters of their land farmed bio-dynamically. Around 91,600 hectares throughout the state, from Abtenau to Zell am See, are dedicated to ecological farming – comparable to the area of Völkermarkt district in Carinthia.
Last year, the Pinzgau had the most bio-operations, with 859. However, the Tennengau has the highest percentage of agro-area dedicated to bio-dynamics, at about 74%.
Schwaiger acknowledges the increasing challenges for regional farmers, despite the state maintaining its top European position. However, he believes the sector can withstand the pressure of stricter EU regulations and bureaucracy. "Bio isn’t about the cheapest price, but about the highest quality," he added.
In 2024, around 163,300 hectares of agricultural land, over 92,260 hectares of grassland, and about 53 million eggs are produced in Salzburg annually. The region also sees about 412,800 tonnes of milk and 160,000 cattle.
Readers interested in the subject may also find it relevant to explore other bio-agriculture success stories in the state, such as the district of Tennengau with the highest bio-percentage or local award-winning bio-farms like the Esserbauer and Almannsgrub.
