A selection of sustainability indicators for Austrian agriculture and forestry in international comparison

Sustainable development is one of the key challenges of the 21st century with a high profile in social and political discourse. Sustainable development strives for a long-term balance between the three dimensions of nature/environment, society and economy/economy.

Agriculture, like other sectors of the economy, is subject to the demands of society to produce goods as cost-effectively as possible, in the highest possible quality, in sufficient quantities and with the least possible impact on the environment and nature. Due to the specific production conditions in the great outdoors, it is particularly difficult to achieve these goals in the best possible way and to be economically successful at the same time. This is one of the challenges that agricultural and forestry businesses have to face. As these are predominantly run as family businesses in Austria, special social objectives are also important. Equally important is the integration of the agricultural sector into the economy of rural regions.