Effects of Soil Consumption and Nutritional Behaviour on the Degree of Self-sufficiency in Austria

Although the degree of self-sufficiency for numerous agricultural goods in Austria was over 100 percent in 2022, i.e., more was produced than consumed, domestic food production is not sufficient overall to supply the entire population with food. The currently observed land consumption and population growth have a negative impact on the security of supply, assuming unchanged eating behaviour with a high proportion of animal products. This study analyses the effects of extrapolating the observed developments to 2030 on the degree of self-sufficiency. The results are compared with two alternative scenarios: (i) achieving the 2.5 ha target by 2030 and (ii) changing dietary behaviour and reducing animal products in accordance with (inter)national recommendations.