Around 1,200 “parish tenancy” contracts were terminated in Austria by the Roman Catholic Church (CCR) without notice, the online publication Agrarheute reported on April 16.
The profits from the lease of the land are used to cover the living expenses, salaries and pensions of the clergy. The Catholic Church is the largest landowner in Austria.
The income managed by the priests previously went to the diocese. Now the money will go to the social fund of the diocese and the management will be centralized, explained Anneliese Rothleitner-Reinisch, spokesperson for the diocese of Eisenstadt. Instead of countless individual contracts, a new, unified and transparent system is being implemented.
Bishop Egidius Zifkowicz’s decree follows the examples of the archdioceses of Graz-Seckau and Vienna, which simplified governance more than a decade ago.
Farmers can cultivate plots until the end of the year. “Starting January 1, 2025, either the old tenant will return or a new tenant will come into play.”said Anneliese Rothleitner-Reinisch. Farmers can apply for land parcels on an online platform where bidding is open.
Farmers who have been cultivating the plots for decades are outraged. Your life’s work is at risk due to digital rentals. A spokesman for the diocese insists that the church has chosen a fair system. Every farmer has the opportunity to say yes or no.
The Church sees no problem for farmers to receive subsidies. According to the diocese, the average leased area should be 0.5 to 5 hectares.
A farmer representative gives the example of the Seewinkel region, where ten farmers rent a plot of land of more than 20 hectares. According to the tender, the land will go to the only contender, which means that conflict is inevitable. Farmers fear that someone will make a better offer than them. The situation fuels competition and leads to higher prices.
Burgenland is home to Austria’s largest wind and solar power plants. The expansion or construction of new power plants is likely. Residents fear rising land rental prices. The diocese assures that the tendered plots are intended exclusively for agricultural use.
The first stage of online bidding ends on May 5, 2024. Bidders will know the results at the end of June or beginning of July. The lease contract will be for an indefinite period and may be terminated annually.
Source: Rossa Primavera
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