Illegal grassland sales: “Lungau before Pinzgau”
The new figures for the Lungau are misleading, according to the agricultural department. The facts: In 60 percent of the basic transactions in the Lungau, the grassland went to people who are not farmers – contrary to what is required by law. This is shown by an evaluation of the last ten years, which has now been prepared in response to a request from the SPÖ in the state parliament.
“The situation in the Lungau is still significantly worse”
According to this data, the Lungau district clearly surpasses the Pinzgau in terms of sales, says the social democratic member of the state parliament Karin Dollinger: “The Pinzgau is directly harmless. There, only 35 percent of sales since 2013 have gone so over the table. The Lungau is really aggravated against it.”
Responsible provincial council refers to new law
The 60 percent share of land sales to non-farmers is misleading, counters the responsible provincial councilor Josef Schwaiger (ÖVP). For example, basic transactions with less than 2,000 square meters of grassland would also be counted under “non-farmer” – as well as rejected grassland sales or partial transfers of agricultural land – for example if an old farmer keeps a house garden.
It is not possible to say how high the proportion of actual sales is, says Schwaiger. That should change: “The redefinition in the new law will regulate it much more clearly and better.”
What is the country doing against illegal sales?
The planned renewal of the land transfer law will be discussed in the state parliament committee next week – as will the report with the state audit office’s harsh criticism of the grassland sales in Pinzgau. Some of these were carried out illegally, under the eyes of the authorities, according to the criticism. For further political debates should also be organized.