New construction of the Kroisleitner trout farm in Rettenegg

The aim of the project was to concentrate fish production at a single site and to optimise and professionalise the entire value chain, which ranges from production and processing to direct regional marketing. To promote public relations and raise awareness for sustainable aquaculture, a demonstration fish farm has been established, which is open to visitors.

Implementation of the different elements has been supported by the AustrianEMFAF programme 2021–2027 and has created a modern, energy-efficient and resource-saving production structure that benefits the regional supply with high-quality fish products.

Initial situation

Fish production was originally a supplementary branch of the business alongside dairy farming and forestry.

As the business developed, fish farming was systematically expanded and established at several sites in Eastern Styria.

Due to the growing economic importance of fish farming, the Rettenegg site was designated as the central production, processing and marketing hub. The aim was to optimise operational processes and bring the entire value chain together at a single site. Various species of char and trout are produced (including rainbow trout, brook char and golden trout).

Objectives and Target Groups

The key objectives of the project include the following:

• Establishment of a modern, energy-efficient production and processing facility for aquaculture at the Rettenegg site
• Concentration of the value chain (production, processing, marketing) at a single site
• Increasing regional added value through the expansion of direct marketing
• Improving operational standards in production, hygiene and processing
• Securing and ensuring the long-term development of the family-run farm
• Establishing a supporting information and education programme as part of a demonstration fish farm

The following target groups are being addressed:

• Customers in the regional food trade
• Customers as part of direct marketing
• Visitors to the fish farm
• Regional retail and processing partners (e.g. gastronomy)
• Employees

Project implementation and measures

As part of the implementation of the project, an integrated fish farming, processing and marketing facility was established at the Rettenegg site. The key investments comprise the following elements:

• Construction of a combined outdoor and indoor facility for fish production
• Construction of flow channels and circular tanks for fish rearing and production
• Construction of a breeding and rearing area for reproduction and interim rearing
• Construction of processing infrastructure as well as office, storage and staff facilities
• Installation of a biomass heating system using regional wood chips for heat supply
• Expansion of direct marketing and distribution structures
• Establishment of a visitor area (demonstration fish farm) for public relations

Project impacts and results

• Increase and stabilise production capacities in the fish farming sector
• Optimise the value chain through bundeling of sites
• Reduce transport and logistics costs through regional processing
• Strengthen regional supply structures with high-quality food
• Improve energy efficiency through the use of a biomass heating system
• Expand the farm’s activities including an educational component (demonstration fish farm)
• Secure and create jobs within the family-run business and within the region

Further information: Kroisleitner Trout Farm: modern aquaculture rooted in tradition - Oceans and fisheries