INDUSTRIAL AGRICULTURE

With the industrialisation of the economy, the methods of industry have also gradually found their way into agriculture: Rationalisation, standardisation and specialisation were the buzzwords of the supposedly modern, contemporary management of farms. The consequences of monocultures and mass animal husbandry are now well known.

Organic farmers as non-followers and switchers
Some farmers deliberately did not follow this development from the outset, others later opted for organic farm management and sustainable circular economy. The pioneering phase of organic farming continued until the 1970s. This was characterised by idealism and the joy of experimentation - without any official rules or subsidies. In the 1990s, organic agriculture is institutionalised. Associations and federations with corresponding statutes are founded and the first legal regulations come into force. National and European premiums for organic farming were introduced. Compliance with the legal requirements for the production of organic food is strictly monitored and regularly checked.

Tourism as a supplementary and main source of income
In mountain areas such as Wagrain-Kleinarl, the vast majority of farms were no longer viable from the mid-1950s onwards. Some were given up, many have since been run as supplementary business. With the development of the valley for summer and even more for winter tourism, the farmers were given a second source of income. Holidays on the farm are a much sought-after product and are used on many farms to generate an important part of the family income.