Schmuckenschlager again president: Chamber of Agriculture in focus!

Schmuckenschlager again president: Chamber of Agriculture in focus!

The Chamber of Agriculture was elected on March 9, 2025, which, on April 4, 2025, reached its peak with the constituent meeting of the Lower Austrian State Chamber of Agriculture. Johannes Schmuckenschlager was unanimously re -elected as president. Andrea Wagner and Lorenz Mayr were confirmed in their positions as vice president. Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner, who described the symbolic act as significant for domestic agriculture. In his speech, Schmuckenschlager emphasized the high turnout and the trust of the farmers.

In a constructive spirit, Schmuckenschlager announced that the Chamber of Agriculture would rely on a labor -intensive program from 2025 to 2030. The main goal remains a strong advocacy for the concerns of farmers. Mikl-Leitner emphasized the continuous role of the Chamber of Agriculture as a reliable force in agriculture.

mouth and claw disease as a serious threat

As part of the constituent session, the Situation around the mouth and claw disease (MKS) was a central topic. LH-Dep. Stephan Pernkopf called for targeted measures to combat this highly contagious viral disease in pairs. Current evidence of the MKS in Slovakia and Hungary underline the urgency of the topic for animal husbandry in Austria. The Chamber of Agriculture calls on the Ministry of Health to take the necessary precautions to prevent the virus in Austria.

The Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Nursing and Consumer Protection has already created a comprehensive package of measures to minimize the risk of MKS. This includes close cooperation with the federal states and the implementation of strict hygiene standards by animal owners, veterinarians and transport companies. A common procedure is necessary to protect the veterinary stocks, said Federal Minister Norbert Tettschnig.

insurance and compensation

The impending dangers of the MKS also becomes more relevant to animal insurance. These offer compensation services for animal owners in the event of an MKS outbreak. Depending on the provider and blankets, the compensation vary losses that are not officially covered. Increased caution is advisable because the acceptance stops for animal insurance in certain districts have already been imposed, and from April 3, 2025 they apply to all of Austria. Entrepreneurs must pay for measures to obtain individual freedoms even.

In the event of an officially arranged cussulation of animals, the federal government will make compensation according to the animal health law. Further details on the compensation benefits are carried out by private insurers. The Chamber of Agriculture sees itself as a reliable support for the farmers and plans to actively tackle the challenges that this situation entails.

In summary, the current situation around the mouth and claw disease requires a coordinated approach of all actors involved, while the Lower Austrian State Chamber of Agriculture, led by Johannes Schmuckenschlager, strives to represent the interests of farmers and to develop solutions for the coming years.

For detailed information on mouth and claw disease and prevention measures, we refer to the official pages of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Regions and Tourism ( bmluk.gv.at ) and the Chamber of Agriculture ( LKO.AT ).

The Chamber of Agriculture continues to call for tailor-made protective measures against the mouth and claw disease and calls for transparency in the identification of origin and a pro-Austrian market orientation of products.