Many Austrian farmers who adapt their management describe climate change as their main motivation. More frequent droughts, heavy rainfall, and unpredictable growing seasons create pressure to rethink how farming is done. Instead of waiting for political solutions, these farmers experiment on their own fields to make their farms more resilient. They choose different approaches depending on time, money, equipment, and personal beliefs, often combining ideas from organic, conventional, and other sustainable farming systems.
A key idea that connects these farmers is Humusaufbau, meaning the build-up of soil organic matter. Farmers see healthy, carbon-rich soil as the foundation for many benefits: better crop growth, more stable yields, improved water storage, and a stronger buffer against climate extremes. This shared goal helps bring together farmers from different backgrounds, reducing the traditional divide between organic and conventional farming. Many farmers describe themselves as pioneers and part of a growing movement focused on soil care.
Discover what farmers said when asked about their motivations for dedicating themselves to soil-friendly management and collaboration:
“The point is, we are in the midst of climate change. The climate is getting warmer, hotter, and drier. The only system that can help us overcome all these things is soil that is intact, that fulfils all its functions, and that serves as a buffer, so to speak, to help us get through this dry period. And I have to build up this buffer as best I can. And that is actually my goal. And when I say Humusaufbau… Yes, of course we are working on Humusaufbau, but the goal is climate-adapted agriculture. And Humusaufbau is part of that, so to speak. And the soil as a buffer needs to be developed and stabilised for the future.”
“And I, together with other colleagues here two years ago now, in 2019, took the step and founded an association in Austria where we share knowledge among farmers. Because our approach is that not everyone needs to make the same mistakes but rather learn from mistakes and develop together step by step.”
Community plays an important role. Farmer networks and associations allow knowledge to be shared so that others do not have to repeat the same mistakes. Learning from each other strengthens motivation and speeds up innovation. Through this process, a new image of a “good farmer” emerges – one who actively cares for the soil and prepares their land for a changing climate. Talking directly to farmers is therefore essential, as many agricultural innovations start within these local communities and are closely adapted to regional conditions.
Optional: Find out more about (other) farmers, regenerative agriculture and transformation in Gosnell et al. (2019).
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