Landjugend marks 80 years with celebration in Melk

Lower Austria’s Landjugend youth organisation celebrated its 80th anniversary in Melk on Saturday, bringing together more than 2,000 former and current members, ORF reported. The event looked back at the organisation’s history while also focusing on the challenges facing its next generation.

After a mass at Melk Abbey, participants marched through the town’s historic centre with a brass band and flags from districts and local branches. The procession ended at the Wachauarena, where the anniversary ceremony was held under the motto “A bond for life.”

Lower Austria Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner said the organisation continued to connect tradition with the future by preserving its sense of home, values and way of life while remaining open to new approaches.

Deputy Governor Stephan Pernkopf called the members “the best encouragers and makers of home” in the state and said society could learn from them.

Focus on agriculture and the future

Landjugend has its roots in agriculture. The anniversary also addressed current challenges facing the sector, including climate change, heat and drought.

Mikl-Leitner said she was confident that agriculture could have a strong future again, but added that young farmers needed good conditions, fair prices, effective risk protection and support with farm transfers and investment.

The organisation aims to prepare its members for these changes by giving young people opportunities to take responsibility, continue their education and carry out their own projects.

Matthias Luger, chairman of Landjugend Lower Austria, said one thing had remained unchanged over the past 80 years: young people were willing to get involved and give their all in local groups, branches and districts.

Projects at home and abroad

With more than 20,000 members and about 300 associations, Landjugend is one of the largest youth organisations in the state. While it originally focused on professional training for young people in farming, its programme now also covers culture, sport and social issues.

Members also carry out charitable projects outside Austria, take part in international internships and organise trips abroad and city breaks. Agricultural competitions, including ploughing contests, remain an important and prestigious part of the programme.

The organisation’s annual project marathon is also a key event. Starting on September 4, members will again complete charitable projects together within exactly 42.195 hours. For many active members, Landjugend represents community and solidarity above all.