Styria, Austria – Innovation in agriculture continues to flourish in the Austrian state of Styria, as evidenced by the recent Vifzack 2026 awards. The prestigious Agrarinnovationspreis “Vifzack,” presented by the Styrian Chamber of Agriculture, recognizes groundbreaking projects that are shaping the future of farming. This year’s awards highlighted a diverse range of initiatives, from innovative animal husbandry practices to unique approaches to product marketing and cultivation. The awards ceremony, held on March 12, 2026, celebrated the ingenuity and dedication of Styrian farmers.
The top honor went to Lisa-Marie Gollowitsch from Markt Hartmannsdorf for her project, “Patenhuhn” (Sponsor Hen). This initiative allows customers to sponsor a hen and receive regular egg deliveries, coupled with offerings like bread from a clay oven, other farm products, and educational events. The concept fosters a direct connection between consumers and the source of their food, promoting transparency and sustainability. Maria Bernhart of Eibiswald secured second place with “Steirische Physalis von B&B Raritäten” (Steirian Physalis from B&B Rarities), showcasing the successful cultivation and marketing of this unique fruit. The Vifzack awards, now in their ninth year, are a joint initiative of the Styrian Chamber of Agriculture and Steiermärkische Sparkasse, aiming to encourage and support innovative ideas within the agricultural sector.
Celebrating a Trio of Third-Place Winners
This year’s Vifzack awards featured not one, but three third-place recipients, acknowledging the breadth of innovation across the region. Michael Windberger from Schladming was recognized for “Garten am Berg” (Garden on the Mountain), a project focused on sustainable gardening practices in mountainous terrain. Samuel Friesinger from Fehring earned a third-place award for his work with “Alten Rassen, bunte Bentheimer” (Old Breeds, Colorful Bentheimers), a project dedicated to preserving and promoting heritage pig breeds. Daniel Konrad from Deutschlandsberg also received a third-place award for “Schilcherland Pilze im Schloss Frauental” (Schilcherland Mushrooms at Frauental Castle), an initiative focused on cultivating mushrooms in a historic setting. The diversity of these projects underscores the wide-ranging potential for innovation within Styrian agriculture.
The jury also awarded a special prize to Familie Kroisleitner from Rettenegg for their “Schaufischzucht Kroisleitner” (Kroisleitner Shovel Fish Farm), a unique aquaculture project. According to the Styrian Chamber of Agriculture, the Vifzack awards are more than just a competition; they are a platform for showcasing the dynamism and forward-thinking approach of Styrian farmers. President Andreas Steinegger emphasized that the region’s agricultural community is consistently driving progress and ensuring the future viability of their farms. Vizepräsidentin Maria Pein added that the innovators are taking courageous steps and demonstrating a strong commitment to implementing new ideas.
Samuel Friesinger’s Commitment to Heritage Breeds
The recognition of Samuel Friesinger’s “Alten Rassen, bunte Bentheimer” project highlights a growing interest in preserving agricultural biodiversity. As reported by Kleine Zeitung, Friesinger’s work focuses on the Bentheimer pig, a traditional breed known for its hardiness and flavorful meat. The Bentheimer pig, once common in the region, has seen its numbers decline in recent decades due to the rise of more commercially focused breeds. Friesinger’s project aims to revitalize the breed and promote its unique qualities to consumers. This initiative not only contributes to the preservation of genetic diversity but also offers a sustainable alternative to industrial pig farming.
The preservation of heritage breeds is increasingly recognized as crucial for maintaining the resilience of agricultural systems. These breeds often possess unique traits that make them well-suited to specific environments and resistant to diseases. By supporting farmers like Samuel Friesinger, the Vifzack awards are contributing to the long-term sustainability of Styrian agriculture. The project also addresses growing consumer demand for locally sourced, high-quality meat products from animals raised in humane conditions.
“Patenhuhn”: A Direct Connection to the Farm
Lisa-Marie Gollowitsch’s “Patenhuhn” project exemplifies a growing trend towards direct-to-consumer marketing and experiential agriculture. The initiative allows customers to form a personal connection with the animals that produce their food, fostering a greater appreciation for the work of farmers and the importance of sustainable practices. According to the Styrian Chamber of Agriculture, the project also incorporates educational elements, offering workshops and farm tours to further engage the community. The combination of egg delivery, bread from a clay oven, and farm events creates a holistic experience that appeals to consumers seeking authentic and sustainable food options.
The “Patenhuhn” model has the potential to be replicated in other agricultural sectors, offering farmers a way to diversify their income streams and build stronger relationships with their customers. It also addresses concerns about food traceability and transparency, allowing consumers to know exactly where their food comes from and how it is produced. The success of this project demonstrates the growing demand for innovative approaches to food production and distribution.
The Vifzack Awards: A Catalyst for Innovation
The Agrarinnovationspreis “Vifzack” plays a vital role in fostering a culture of innovation within the Styrian agricultural community. By recognizing and rewarding groundbreaking projects, the awards encourage farmers to think creatively and explore new possibilities. The competition also provides a platform for sharing best practices and networking among agricultural professionals. The awards ceremony, held on March 12, 2026, brought together farmers, policymakers, and industry representatives to celebrate the achievements of the winners and discuss the future of Styrian agriculture.
The Vifzack awards are particularly significant in the context of broader challenges facing the agricultural sector, including climate change, resource scarcity, and changing consumer preferences. The winning projects demonstrate that innovation can play a key role in addressing these challenges and ensuring the long-term sustainability of farming. The Styrian Chamber of Agriculture and Steiermärkische Sparkasse are to be commended for their commitment to supporting agricultural innovation and promoting the success of Styrian farmers.
The ongoing success of the Vifzack awards underscores the importance of investing in research and development, providing access to funding and resources, and creating a supportive regulatory environment for agricultural innovation. As the agricultural landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like Vifzack will be essential for ensuring that Styrian farmers remain at the forefront of sustainable and resilient food production.
Looking Ahead: The Styrian Chamber of Agriculture is expected to announce details regarding the application process for the Vifzack 2027 awards in the autumn of 2026. Interested farmers are encouraged to visit the Chamber’s website for more information. We invite readers to share their thoughts on these innovative agricultural practices in the comments below and to share this article with their networks.