Editing Vorarlberg (section)

=== Agriculture ===
In addition to the flourishing textile, clothing, electronics, machinery and packing materials industries of the [[Alpine Rhine|Alpine Rhine Valley]], there is also a broad agricultural base, especially in the [[Bregenzerwald]] (Bregenzerwald), which is known for its dairy products and tourism.

==== Alpine transhumance and cheese production ====
[[File:Kufstein Almabtrieb 2005.jpg|alt=Retrieving cattle from high pastures in the Alps is a social highlight for tourists and residents.|thumb|[[Almabtrieb]], the movement of cattle from the high pastures to the villages. This tradition is popular with tourists.]]
The three-level movement farming ("Dreistufenwirtschaft") is essential to the economy of the mountainous regions in Vorarlberg. It is also known as [[Alpine transhumance]] and describes a seasonal [[droving]] of grazing [[livestock]] between the valleys in winter and the high mountain [[pasture]]s in summer.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bregenzerwald (Bregenz Forest)|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/27/|access-date=2021-04-01|website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre|language=en}}</ref>
[[File:Vorderhopfreben Üntschenspitze 1.jpg|thumb|300x300px|Vorderhopfreben/Üntschenspitze in [[Au, Vorarlberg|Au]]-[[Schoppernau]] as an example for the agricultural use of the mountainous region]]
Alpine transhumance has a strong impact on the production of cheese in the Alps. It ensures that the cattle produces high-quality aromatic milk, the so-called ''[[Haymilk|Heumilch]]'' ("hay milk"), based on its special diet of natural meadow grass in comparison to [[silage]]. The use of hay milk in cheese production contributes to the distinctive flavour that determines more than 30 Alpine cheeses, including [[Vorarlberger Alpkäse]], [[Vorarlberger Bergkäse]], [[Großwalsertaler Bergkäse]], and [[Sura Kees]].<ref name="KäseStrasse Bregenzerwald">{{Cite news|title=KäseStrasse Bregenzerwald|url=https://www.vorarlberg.travel/poi/kaesestrasse-bregenzerwald/|access-date=2021-04-01|website=Urlaub in Vorarlberg|language=de-DE}}</ref>

With the aim to support and preserve the local dairy production and the traditional agricultural heritage, the [[KäseStrasse Bregenzerwald|Bregenzerwald Cheese Route]] was founded in 1998. It is an organisation which connects farmers, traders and craftsmen. Along the cheese route, visitors are invited to watch the cheese production process and participate in culinary tastings.<ref name="KäseStrasse Bregenzerwald"/>

Many cultural habits like [[Yodel]], [[Alphorn]] or [[Schwingen]] were developed during this time. This seasonal [[nomad]]ism led to the rich culture, architecture and love for nature found in Vorarlberg. A significant cultural icon unique to this area is the festive movement of cattle from the pastures to the villages in autumn. This tradition is especially popular with tourists.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2014-04-08|title=Montafoner Maisäß – Teil 1|url=https://huetten.wanderdoerfer.at/magazin/montafoner-maisas/|access-date=2021-04-01|website=Das Wanderdörfer Hüttenportal|language=de}}</ref>