Markt Hartmannsdorf, Austria – In a heartwarming story of rural revitalization, Lisa-Marie and Martin Gollowitsch have breathed fresh life into a long-dormant family farm in the Austrian countryside. Their innovative approach, centered around a unique “Patenhuhn” (godparent hen) program, has not only restored a piece of agricultural heritage but also earned them the prestigious Agrarinnovationspreis “Vifzack” 2026, a coveted award recognizing agricultural innovation in Styria.
The Gmoarieglhof, located in Oed 60, 8311 Markt Hartmannsdorf, had sat largely unused for two generations. The Gollowitschs, seeking a connection to the origins of their food and a more grounded lifestyle for their three children, embarked on a journey to revive the farm six years ago. “We were living in a small apartment, but we wanted our children to understand where their food comes from and how it’s produced,” explained Lisa-Marie Gollowitsch, a trained florist who now dedicates herself fully to farming and motherhood. The initial stages were challenging, as the farm lacked essential infrastructure – a stable, machinery, even beyond an old tractor.
From Quereinsteiger to Award-Winning Innovators
Martin Gollowitsch, a mason by trade, and Lisa-Marie tackled these obstacles head-on, transforming the neglected land into a thriving smallholding. Their focus quickly turned to poultry, specifically the breeding of rare and heritage chicken breeds. This led to the development of the “Patenhuhn” concept, a novel approach to connecting consumers directly with the source of their eggs. The program allows individuals to become “godparents” to a hen, receiving regular updates and, crucially, a monthly delivery of fresh eggs.
The “Patenhuhn” program isn’t simply about eggs. it’s about transparency and education. Each hen is given a name, and patrons can observe their feathered godchild through a live webcam feed installed in the coop and soon, in the outdoor run. This provides a unique window into the life of a farm animal and fosters a deeper appreciation for the agricultural process. “Once a month, the patrons receive a ‘Hühnerpost’ – a delivery of 12 or 24 eggs,” Lisa-Marie Gollowitsch shared. The customer base extends across Austria, with a significant number of patrons hailing from Vienna.
The Vifzack Award: Recognizing Agricultural Innovation
The Gollowitschs’ innovative spirit didn’t go unnoticed. Their “Patenhuhn” project was selected as a finalist in the Agrarinnovationspreis “Vifzack” 2026, a competition organized by the Styrian Chamber of Agriculture. The award recognizes farmers who demonstrate exceptional creativity and forward-thinking approaches to agricultural practices. On March 11, 2026, Lisa-Marie Gollowitsch was announced as the winner, beating out other innovative projects from across Styria. MeinBezirk.at reported on the win, highlighting the project’s success in revitalizing a family farm and connecting consumers with agriculture.
Andreas Steinegger, President of the Styrian Chamber of Agriculture, emphasized the importance of innovation in the agricultural sector. “The Styrian farmers are driving progress on their farms and making their businesses future-proof,” he stated. Maria Pein, Vice President of the Chamber, added, “The innovators on the farms are taking courageous steps and, with enthusiasm and unwavering determination, are creating new areas of activity.”
Beyond Patenhuhn: A Diversified Farm
The Gmoarieglhof’s success extends beyond the “Patenhuhn” program. The farm also produces traditional Bauernbrot (farmer’s bread) baked in a traditional Lehmofen (clay oven), and offers a variety of other farm products. They also host events and educational programs, further strengthening their connection with the local community and promoting agricultural awareness. The farm’s diversified approach, combining traditional methods with innovative ideas, has proven to be a winning formula.
The Gollowitschs’ story is a testament to the power of vision and hard work. They have not only revived a family farm but have also created a sustainable business model that benefits both consumers and the environment. Their commitment to transparency, education, and quality has resonated with customers across Austria, and their “Vifzack” award is a well-deserved recognition of their achievements. NEUES LAND featured Lisa-Marie Gollowitsch as “Bäuerin der Woche” (Farmer of the Week) in February 2026, further highlighting their success.
Key Takeaways
- The Gmoarieglhof in Markt Hartmannsdorf, Austria, was revitalized by Lisa-Marie and Martin Gollowitsch after being dormant for two generations.
- The farm’s innovative “Patenhuhn” program allows customers to sponsor a hen and receive regular egg deliveries, fostering transparency and connection to the food source.
- Lisa-Marie Gollowitsch won the Agrarinnovationspreis “Vifzack” 2026 for her work on the farm, recognizing the project’s agricultural innovation.
- The farm also produces Bauernbrot and hosts events, diversifying its offerings and strengthening its community ties.
The Gollowitschs are also candidates for the Agrarinnovationspreis Vifzack 2026, with the final results expected to be announced later this year. The farm continues to expand its offerings and reach, solidifying its position as a leading example of sustainable and innovative agriculture in Styria. For those interested in learning more about the Gmoarieglhof and the “Patenhuhn” program, visit their website at www.gmoarieglhof.at.
The next step for the Gollowitschs is to expand the outdoor run for the hens, allowing them more space to roam freely. They are also planning additional educational events to further engage the community and promote sustainable farming practices. We encourage our readers to share this inspiring story and to support innovative agricultural initiatives in their own communities.