Norbert Totschnig has been appointed as the new Federal Minister for Agriculture, Forestry, Climate and Environmental Protection, Regions and Water Management in Austria. He takes on this important role as part of the new federal government and brings with him extensive experience and a sound understanding of the challenges in these areas. His previous portfolios have been expanded to meet the new requirements.
Totschnig has already made a name for himself when he received an impressive 17,995 preferential votes in the National Council election. This support reflects the trust that citizens have in him in terms of his skills and his vision for the future of Austrian agriculture and forestry.
Totschnig was born and grew up in East Tyrol, where he also got to know life on a farm with six siblings as the father of two children. This personal connection to agriculture gives him a deep understanding of the needs of farmers and rural communities in Austria. With over 20 years of experience in federal and agricultural policy, he has the expertise to succeed as a minister.
Totschnig has been active as Minister of Agriculture in the Austrian federal government since May 18, 2022, as part of the cabinet under Federal Chancellor Nehammer. In this role, he dealt intensively with the challenges facing the agricultural sector in Austria and worldwide. He always emphasized the importance of developing a viable work programme that would last for several years. This program was the result of long and intensive negotiations and aims to offer farming families stability and predictability and to keep agriculture and forestry in Austria competitive.
A central pillar of his work as Minister is the strengthening of rural areas. Totschnig sees this as crucial, not only to secure the economic foundations in these areas, but also to improve the quality of life and infrastructure. Innovative approaches and targeted investments should ensure that rural regions do not lag behind urban centers. The expansion of digital infrastructure and sustainable agricultural practices as well as the protection and conservation of natural resources are just some of the measures he is focusing on to achieve these goals.
With his clear vision and commitment to the interests of the rural population and the environment, Norbert Totschnig seems well equipped to successfully master the challenges associated with his new role as Minister. His work will undoubtedly make a significant contribution to the future of agriculture and forestry as well as to environmental and climate protection in Austria.
