Research

In this project, selected measures of Austria’s Rural Development Programme LE 14–20 are evaluated. The project thus provides answers to selected evaluation questions as part of reporting on the results of the ex post evaluation of the Rural Development Program (RDP). This ex post evaluation is carried out in order to show stakeholders and the public the achievement of policy objectives, the impacts and results, to increase transparency, and to learn how policy can be improved in the future.

As part of the ELBE project, an Excel tool was developed and programmed for the optimal design of photovoltaic systems and electricity storage facilities on farmes with regard to energy self-sufficiency and economic efficiency. Both business-specific load profiles and local conditions are incorporated into the calculations, and it is possible to compare different variants. In this project, the Excel tool is continuously validated and tested for practical suitability. The tool will be presented to energy consultants from the chambers of agriculture and, subsequently, possible fields of application in energy consulting will be developed.

The project collects data on the economic situation of large forests in Austria (forestry operations >500 hectares) during the specified period and presents the current developments in this area. To this end, operating accounts are prepared, as well as individual and inter-company evaluations (such as standardized mean value calculations (nominal and real) and panel calculations for the overall mean and the total of 9 groups for the final evaluation, as well as the preparation of individual cost and income statements (benchmark comparison) and “hit lists” for approx. 100 forestry reporting companies. The aggregated key figures are important empirical data bases for forestry policy makers as well as for forestry economic research and teaching at BOKU University and are included, among other things, in the annual forest report of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management.