In the Austrian state of Tyrol, future farms are being set up at three locations for the cultivation of climate-resistant plant varieties. Near Kitzbühel and Kufstein, new aqua irrigation techniques will be combined with fewer pesticides and fossil energy on three test fields.
The pilot project is the outcome of an extensive competition in Austrian agriculture and among environmental and climate scientists. Increasingly frequent periods of drought, changing soil conditions, extreme weather conditions: agriculture faces major challenges as a result of climate change. What can be done at an early stage to adapt to the changed circumstances?
In addition to the state of Tyrol, the jury itself consisted of the Tyrolean Chamber of Agriculture, Agrarmarketing Tirol and members of the Tyrolean Climate Councils and Fridays For Future, who put forward the idea of such a model region. The state of Tyrol will make 50,000 euros available for the model region over the next two years.
The selected project impressed with its diversity and close cooperation with the young farmers/rural youth in the Kufstein district, the Chamber of Agriculture and the Management Center Innsbruck and the Kufstein University of Applied Sciences, says LHStv agricultural councilor Josef Geisler.
After an extensive soil analysis, suitable grain and legume varieties were selected from the Tyrolean gene bank to be grown on these innovative farms. The focus is on growing crops that are more resistant to more extreme weather conditions.
Two outdoor test areas will be freely accessible to the public. According to the jury, this educational aspect emphasizes the role of these initiatives as a catalyst for awareness and knowledge sharing in the community.
These developments are supported by government agencies and local organizations. The Kaiserwinkl region is particularly mentioned as a pioneer in the drive to become climate fit in the agricultural sector.
A third test area will be located at the Kufstein University of Applied Sciences: a so-called aquaponics system to efficiently use water and nutrients and reduce the use of fertilizers. An aquaponics system consists of a water cycle in which fish live on the one hand and is used to irrigate crops on the other.
The use of aqua irrigation techniques can also bring economic benefits to farmers in the region. By using resources more efficiently while maintaining or even increasing productivity, these initiatives can contribute to a more resilient and sustainable agricultural system.
According to the Austrians, the fact that these projects are taking place in Tyrol emphasizes the urgent need for responsible agricultural practices. By investing in research and innovation in the agricultural sector, it is emphasized, Tyrol is showing that it wants to be a forerunner in the fight against climate change.