Agriculture Minister Özdemir: Reconsider the abolition of the agricultural diesel subsidy
Of course, it must be possible in principle to reduce climate-damaging subsidies, said the Green politician. However, the problem with heavy agricultural machinery is that, unlike with cars, there are no electric alternatives. "That is the reality and we should orient ourselves to it. Politicians cannot simply decide to ignore physical limits." Özdemir said that he could "well understand" the anger of the agricultural sector at the decision.
The planned cuts to the agricultural diesel subsidy and the motor vehicle tax exemption for agricultural and forestry machinery are part of the federal government's budget consolidation following the ruling of the Federal Constitutional Court. The German Farmers' Association (DBV) has called on farmers to demonstrate against the cuts on Monday. According to a report in the "Bild" newspaper, Özdemir intends to take part and give a speech.
The Minister of Agriculture told the RND newspapers that he had warned against a disproportionate burden on agriculture and also specifically against the abolition of the agricultural diesel subsidy and motor vehicle tax exemption. As early as the summer, his house had rejected a suggestion by the Ministry of Finance to cancel the agricultural diesel subsidy.
Özdemir said that this would place too great a burden on agriculture. In addition, this step would mean "competitive disadvantages compared to other countries that offer comparable subsidies". He was surprised by the decision of the coalition leaders.
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- The Federal Minister of Agriculture, Cem Özdemir, has urged the Traffic light coalition to reconsider the abolition of the agricultural diesel subsidy.
- Özdemir argued that heavy agricultural machinery lacks viable electric alternatives, making it challenging to replace climate-damaging subsidies in this sector.
- In response to the planned cuts in the agricultural diesel subsidy and the motor vehicle tax exemption for agricultural and forestry machinery, the German Farmers' Association (DBV) called for demonstrations.
- The Minister of Agriculture had previously rejected a proposal by the Ministry of Finance to delete the agricultural diesel subsidy, citing concerns about an excessive burden on agriculture.
- Özdemir expressed his concerns about the potential competitive disadvantages for agriculture if other countries continue to offer similar subsidies.
- Despite his opposition to the cuts and his objections to deleting the agricultural diesel subsidy, the Minister of Agriculture, Cem Özdemir, reportedly agreed to participate in the farmers' demonstration and give a speech.
Source: www.stern.de
