The 'Alte Boeden, neue Standbeine' Exhibition: Austrian Family Farms and Economic Transformations

This exhibition explored the economic transformations of nine family businesses in the Perg-Strudengau region of Austria, focusing on how they adapt to new agricultural practices and pillars. It highlighted mixed farming, direct sales, and ecological land use through guided tours and an accompanying coloring book designed for adults.

The 'Alte Boeden, neue Standbeine - Old Terrain, New Pillars' exhibition was a key component of the Festival der Regionen in 2019, taking place in Perg-Strudengau, Austria. The project delved into the transformations of nine family-run farms, illustrating their diverse approaches to modern agriculture, including viticulture, livestock, biogas production, and direct sales to consumers. Visitors were invited to engage with these farms through guided tours, gaining insight into the short supply chains and sustainable land management practices that are becoming increasingly vital. An integral part of the exhibition was a specially designed coloring book, which served as an educational tool for adults, detailing the soil types, crops, and unique business models of each featured farm. The project aimed to visualize how rural living and food production are adapting to a constantly changing world, emphasizing the enduring knowledge of generations combined with new agricultural strategies. The exhibition highlighted a rich diversity of innovations and local opportunities that contribute to more stable economies for these rural enterprises. Featured farms included Weinbau Gmeiner, which balances viticulture with starch corn, soybeans, and solar technology; the Prinz family's Schönauer farm, known for its long history and experimentation with buckwheat and saffron onions; Biohof Hinterwinkler, selling organic certified vegetables and fruits directly to consumers; Biogasanlage Eizenau, contributing to regional energy supply through biogas production; Schacherhof, integrating forestry, arable land, and holiday accommodations with a vision for shared living; Jausenstation Kleinleitner, a resting point for hikers offering traditional food and drinks; Ranftl, a centuries-old pig breeding farm with a focus on soil health and sustainable feed production; Biohof Mascherbauer, showcasing a variety of organic livestock and farm-to-table products; and Radlerbauernhof Moser, adapting to flood-prone land by focusing on fruit trees, cattle, and guest accommodations. These stories collectively demonstrate the resilience and forward-thinking approaches of farmers in maintaining vibrant rural communities.

The page mentions guided tours and the opportunity for visitors to get to know the farms during the festival. Specific ticketing or admission details for the exhibition itself are not provided, but it was part of a larger festival event. Visitors were directed to various farm websites for more information on their offerings.