Curriculum Vitae
Born in Absam, Tyrol, Austria, on September 23, 1946
Married, four children
Education
Studies in agriculture at the University for Soil Science, Vienna
Practical work during university studies on a mixed holding in Austria (horticulture/pig breeding), and two-month traineeship on a dairy farm in Nyköping, Sweden
Doctorate as Dr rer.nat.oec. in November 1978
Professional career
1973-1979: University assistant in the Department of Regional Agricultural Planning at the Institute for Farm Management in Vienna
Scientific lead of several research projects
Scientific consultant in several project groups in public service
University lecturer
1979-1984: Management assistant in the Tyrol Chamber of Agriculture, responsible for culture and education, land use planning, environmental protection and various other matters
Author of many research papers and articles
1985-1989: Director of the Chamber of Agriculture
Board Member of ALPI dairy factory and Board Director of Raiffeisen Bank, Tyrol
1989-1994: Federal Minister of Agriculture and Forestry
Main achievements during this period include the preparation of the Austrian agriculture and forestry sector to join the EU and negotiations on the membership treaty. The Austrian agricultural system needed a general reform and a re-orientation of sales markets was conducted.
Numerous publications, TV debates, interviews and key note speeches fall in this time.
1990 and 1994: elected Member of the Austrian National Parliament (Nationalrat)
1995-1999: Member of the Commission responsible for agriculture and rural development
Key achievements include:
- Managing the BSE crisis
- Agenda 2000
- Reform of the vegetable and fruit sector
- Reform of olive trade regulations
- Reform of wine trade regulations
- Many international treaties and accords
1999-2004: Member of the Commission responsible for agriculture, rural development and fisheries
Key achievements include:
- Reform of the agricultural sector 2003
- Reform of fisheries policies
- European lead negotiator in agricultural negotiations in DOHA round
- Many international treaties and accords
from 2005: Executive Director of Franz Fischler Consult GmbH
Director of the eco-social forum and the global marshall plan initiative
Consultant for the Croatian government during EU membership negotiations (until 2010)
Chairman of RISE-Foundation, Brussels
Consultant for several governments and OECD
Visiting lecturer at three universities
Extensive lectures and key note speeches in Austria and internationally
Awards
Eight honorary doctorates
High ranking Austrian medal for special merits
Various other awards