The sharpening general conditions (WTO, EU enlargement) require further adjustments by agricultural enterprises. This contribution concerns itself with the competitiveness situation of various types of farm (commercial crop and forage crop farms) and the strengths and weaknesses of agricultural production in Austria and by international comparison. In particular, the impact of environmentally friendly production measures is investigated. Several aspects are mentioned with regard to the consequences and the development perspectives. These concern production differentiation, cost reduction, cooperation, market niches, regional aspects, supports and quality improvement. These measures call for training of farmers that is tailored to requirements.