Women in agriculture

36 percent of farms are managed by women

In Austria, around 36,000 agricultural holdings are managed by a woman. That corresponds to about 36 percent, meaning more than one in three farms. In Salzburg and Upper Austria, the figure is even 42 percent of all agricultural holdings. Whether as an innovative entrepreneur, farm manager, strategist, tradition-conscious farmer, or as the central link in a family business – women shape agriculture and forestry in all their diversity and are the backbone of our farms.

The proportion of female farm managers is highest between the ages of 50 and 59

Comparative data from previous years show that the proportion of female farm managers tends to increase with age, and thus many farms will undergo a generational change in the coming years. Young women in particular take over family farms less frequently and later in life on average than men. However, the future of agriculture is clearly becoming more female. At higher agricultural and forestry vocational schools in Austria, around 52 percent of students are now female, meaning they make up more than half.

Female farmers convey agricultural knowledge

Numerous female farmers are also engaged outside of typical agricultural activities. It is often women who initiate diversification measures such as direct marketing, tourism, or educational offerings on their farms and introduce new business ideas. Around 330 women, for example, are active nationwide in Austria as seminar farmers. Every year, about 20,000 educational events are held in which they pass on knowledge to around 500,000 consumers. In doing so, they provide information at trade fairs and events about regional food and corresponding labels and quality seals. The “School on the Farm” program is also offered by approximately 644 farms, where 77 percent of the courses are conducted by female farmers.

Challenges and opportunities

Legal equality between women and men is established. However, traditional gender roles remain strongly present in agriculture. Structural disadvantages, for example due to the additional burden of unpaid work and caregiving responsibilities, still persist. Women are also still underrepresented in agricultural and regional policy. However, female farmers are increasingly breaking with traditional role models, and various support measures are strengthening their engagement.