Land of Fields - Farmers in the Political Landscape # 2024

Farmers were and remain an important political force. They formed political interest groups early on, and their ranks produced influential politicians throughout Austrian history. The best-known representative is probably the legendary post-war chancellor Leopold Figl, who came from a farming family. Despite their dwindling share of society, they still dominate headlines across Europe when they protest on their tractors to fight for their economic survival. This new “zeit.geschichte” documentary sheds light on the history of the Austrian farming community's political engagement from the late 19th to the 21st century. The film thus offers a glimpse into the past of farmers in Austria, while at the same time highlighting the agricultural policy issues of the present.