Plant the future:
Transfarmation Austria
Together for a plant-based agriculture and food system!
Vorgartenstrasse 219/1/1
1020 Vienna
AUSTRIA
What we offer
We offer education about plant-based diets and agriculture to foster a shift towards a plant-based food system.
Why Transfarmation?
Being a farmer can be a wonderful and meaningful profession with a strong connection to nature. The profession of a farmer is of enormous importance for human nutrition and can make a significant contribution to climate goals.
However, animal husbandry requires long hours and a seven-day working week. In addition, dependencies on subsidies, high loans and climate change pressures can be stressfull circumanstances which many farmers are facing.
We promote a sustainable plant-based agriculture which is beneficial for humans, animals, and the environment.
Potential of a Transfarmation (Transition from animal husbandry to plant-based agriculture)
Plant-based agriculture offers countless opportunities to run a successful business. There are various ways to establish diverse sources of income and pillars of support. Some options include:
Food production
- Cultivation of legumes as a plant-based protein source and to enhance soil quality
- Production of fruits and vegetables
- Cultivation of medicinal herbs and spices for the sale of local products
- Agroforestry systems
- Specialication in ancient varieties, for example, grains like Emmer and Kamut
Repurposing of existing structures
- Cultivation of mushrooms in former or repurposed barns
- Transformation of barns into greenhouses with raised beds or hydroponics
Innovative further developments
- Agritourism: Opening a guesthouse, farm tours, farm café
- Renewable energy production
- Educational initiatives: Seminars and training on plant-based agriculture
- Sanctuary model for farm animals
We are at the onset of an agricultural and dietary shift towards more plant-based products.
Advantages on many levels
A plant-based agriculture without animal husbandry offers numerous benefits, not only for animals but also for humans and the planet. Due to climate change, numerous civilization-related diseases, and for environmental and animal welfare reasons, we urgently need an agricultural and nutritional transformation towards a plant-based agriculture and diet.
Together we can make it happen!
To bring about change together, we must stand united as a society and explore new , bold and innovative possibilities. We all want to leave behind a livable planet for the next generations. At Transfarmation Austria, we support farmers in the agricultural and nutritional transformation - for a sustainable and future-oriented world!
How can plant-based agriculture counteract world hunger?
Currently, 783 million people go to bed hungry daily whilst 1.9 billiion are overweight. Half of the inhabitable land on our planet is used for agriculture, with 80% of this land being dedicated to the production of animal products. However, animal products contribute to only 18% of the calories produced. This highlights that plant-based agriculture is significantly more calorie-efficient.
Agriculture has a significant impact on our environment
Resource-efficient
Plant-based agriculture is significantly more resource-efficient compared to animal agriculture: The water consumption per calorie for beef is twenty times higher than that for grains. Additionally, the water consumption per gram of protein in dairy, eggs, and chicken meat is 1.5 times higher than that in legumes.
Good for the environment
Plant-based products are clearly superior to animal products in terms of environmental protection. The production of animal products results in increased environmental impact, higher greenhouse gas emissions, reduced groundwater quality, and the spread of veterinary drugs in our soils and waters.
TIme for change
The harmful effects associated with agriculture and the wasteful use of resources in our current food production system indicate that something is seriously amiss in our dietary system. It is now time to transition to a plant-based agriculture and produce/consume more plant-based products.
Plant-based is good for the animals, too!
Currently, over 100 billion animals are killed worldwide every year for animal products. Through transformation consultation, we promote the production and consumption of plant-based products - ultimately reducing animal suffering. Together for an economic, sustainable, and future-oriented plant-based agriculture!
Get to know our team
DDr. Doris Schneeberger
Business Development
Doris is the founder of Transfarmation Austria. Her focus is on organizational development and knowledge management.
Doris is an animal ethicist and social and economic scientist. Her passion is to work for a better future for all sentient beings.
Sucessfull Transfarmations
The examples below illustrate that transitioning from animal husbandry to plant-based agriculture can be very successful and fulfilling and should serve as inspiration. These are just a few selected farmers, and the page will be regularly updated. Enjoy reading!
Johann Kofler-Mair - The vegetable farmer and financial advisor
In Upper Austria, a former dairy farmer who became plant based successfully converted his farm to an organic vegetable cultivation business with direct marketing, called the "Wurzgarten". As a second pillar, cooking workshops are offered by his wife. The farm is managed according to the concept of "Market Gardening", i.e., without huge monocultures or intermediaries. The farm has established itself successfully. In addition, the farmer Johann also offers financial consultations. (© Der Wurzgarten)
Daniel Hausmann - Farmer and consultant
A transitioned farmer becomes a trans-farmation consultant: Daniel Hausmann from Leipzig took over his father's conventionally operated cattle farm and converted the farm to a bio-vegan agriculture business within two years: The cowshed was turned into a farm shop, and vegetable boxes are also offered. Currently, 65 hectares are successfully managed, and organic olive oil from Greece is also marketed. (© Thomas Victor)
The Möller-Brothers: Takeover and conversion of the parental farm
An example of the younger generation are the Möller brothers from Schleswig-Holstein, aged 25 and 26 respectively. Starting in 2026, the brothers will take over the parental farm, which specialized in dam-raised calf rearing. However, they aim to continue the operation without any animal husbandry and transform it into a model farm for plant based agriculture. The future pillars of the farm include bio-cyclic vegan vegetable cultivation, rental of apartments, and the establishment of an educational program in the region to raise societal awareness of animal ethics and bio-cyclic vegan farming. The brothers are fortunate to have supportive parents behind them. The Möller brothers serve as role models for a young generation of farmers who aim to forge new paths. (© Maik and Marco Möller)
What is...
Transfarmation Austria
Transfarmation Austria is an NGO. We work for the wellbeing of all animals and promote sustainable agriculture in Austria.
... a vegan sanctuary?
A vegan sanctuary is dedicated to caring for animals that were kept in the past, for example, for human use. These animals are kept on the farm under species-appropriate conditions and are given a life in dignity. However, a vegan sanctuary is not only a place where animals are housed, but also an institution that promotes a vegan lifestyle and thus avoids the use of animal products.
Vegan sanctuaries in Austria
Here's an article about sanctuaries in Austria. (Copyright content and photos: Vegane Gesellschaft Österreich)
