Dairy farming in Austria 

With a production value of 2 billion euros in 2024 dairy farming accounts for about 20 percent of the agricultural production and is the most important agricultural sector in Austria. Around 22,700 dairy farmers produce 3.6 million tonnes of raw milk, of which approximately 89 percent are delivered to dairies.

Similar to the other sectors, also dairy farming is small-structured in Austria. A major part of the holdings are grassland-based family farms which keep on average 24 dairy cows. 89 percent of the dairy farms are located in mountain areas and thus contribute to the optimum exploitation of the extensive grassland.

By consistently sticking to their quality strategy Austria’s dairy farms manage to maintain their competitiveness. 100 percent of the raw milk delivered to domestic dairies is GMO-free, 99 percent is of perfect quality, 18 percent is organic milk and 15 percent hay milk.

Every second kilogram of milk is exported in a refined form with added value, thus contributing to a positive foreign trade balance in the dairy sector. The export value in 2024 amounts to 1.78 billion euros, and the most important export product is cheese, with 170,581 tons. The main export destination is Germany, followed by Italy.

As a high share of the milk is produced according to organic farming standards, both animal welfare standards and aspects for sustainability can be guaranteed in domestic dairy production.

Source: Statistics Austria, Agricultural Market Austria, Ministry of Agriculture - Department II/6