Protest - Farmers mobilize against the end of the agricultural diesel subsidy
Thousands of farmers mobilized against the federal government on Monday in protest against the planned abolition of tax breaks. "We will not accept this," shouted farmers' president Joachim Rukwied at a rally in Berlin. An end to regulations on agricultural diesel and vehicle tax exemptions is "a declaration of war", and this is being accepted. According to the organizers, 8,000 to 10,000 people took part in the demonstration at the Brandenburg Gate and more than 3,000 tractors rolled into the capital. Federal Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir (Greens) expressed his understanding for the discontent and held out the prospect of further consultations within the government.
Rukwied threatened major protests in January if the "unreasonable proposals" were not completely withdrawn. "Then, from January 8, we will be present everywhere in a way that the country has never experienced before." With the coalition plans, the industry would be burdened with an additional one billion euros per year. "Enough is enough, too much is too much," cried the farmers' president. He called on Özdemir to now put pressure on the government on behalf of farmers and rural areas.
Özdemir expresses understanding - and is met with hostility
The minister said at the rally: "I know that you have come here to Berlin with a huge amount of anger." It was clear that more savings had to be made following the Federal Constitutional Court's budget ruling - but not disproportionately in agriculture. "I don't believe in cuts on this scale," Özdemir emphasized. "That's why I'm fighting in the cabinet to ensure that it doesn't happen to this extent." The speech was interrupted several times by whistles and shouts. Rukwied called for respect and asked people to listen to the minister. Özdemir spoke out against derogatory remarks.
The farmers' association had also called for the demonstration nationwide via its state farmers' associations. Banners read: "The traffic lights must go", "Enough is enough", "Tractors instead of tanks" and "You are sacrificing green meadows, livestock and fields for taxpayers' money". Until now, farms have been able to claim a partial refund of the energy tax on diesel. The refund amounts to 21.48 cents per liter - the tax rate for agricultural diesel is then 25.56 cents per liter compared to the full tax rate of 47.04 cents. Companies must submit applications for refunds to the customs administration. In addition, agricultural and forestry vehicles are exempt from motor vehicle tax.
The CDU/CSU once again sharply criticized the savings plans, which are based on an agreement reached by the coalition leaders for the 2024 budget. CSU General Secretary Martin Huber said: "Without any consideration, the federal government is putting German farmers in dire straits." This ignorance and arrogance are intolerable. CDU agricultural expert Albert Stegemann said that both austerity measures were directly affecting farmers and weakening rural areas. Özdemir must fully support the farmers, he said.
Greenpeace: End of agricultural diesel subsidy manageable
The environmental organization Greenpeace explained that the end of the subsidy for agricultural diesel was bearable in view of record-breaking agricultural and food prices and many other agricultural subsidies. "With all due sympathy for the farmers - making agricultural diesel cheaper by the state is expensive, harmful to the climate and should be abolished," said Greenpeace agricultural expert Martin Hofstetter. Contrary to what the farmers' association claims, the end of diesel subsidies will not result in a massive loss of farms.
According to industry figures, the earnings situation in agriculture had recently improved. In the 2022/23 financial year, which ended in June, the average profit of farms rose to a record level of 115,400 euros - an increase of 45% compared to the previous year. However, in view of falling prices for grain, oilseeds and milk, the farmers' association had already expressed pessimism about future business prospects before the traffic light plans were announced.
A large demonstration with thousands of farmers from all over Germany and a long convoy of tractors also took place in front of the Brandenburg Gate at the end of 2019. At that time, farmers took part in nationwide campaigns to demand a greater say in new environmental and animal welfare regulations and more appreciation for their sector.
Press release Farmers' association Call for demonstration Farmers' association on the economic situation
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- The farmers' association has urged its members to participate in a nationwide demonstration, following the Federal Government's plans to abolish tax breaks on agricultural diesel.
- Protests against the end of agricultural diesel subsidies have extended beyond Germany, with Greenpeace supporting the Federal Constitutional Court's decision to reduce subsidies.
- Cem Özdemir, the Federal Agriculture Minister, has stated that further consultations within the government are necessary to address farmers' concerns about the abolition of agricultural diesel subsidies and vehicle tax exemptions.
- Despite Cem Özdemir's calls for understanding and further discussions, farmers like Joachim Rukwied have threatened major protests in January if the planned savings are not withdrawn.
- The taxi industry, which relies on agricultural diesel, has expressed concerns about the impact of the tax relief deletion on their businesses and livelihoods.
- Those who support the end of agricultural diesel subsidies argue that it will contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting a more sustainable agricultural sector in Germany.
- The farmers' association has criticized the Federal Government's plans as a "declaration of war" and accused it of sacrificing Germany's agriculture and rural areas for the sake of saving money.
- Joachim Rukwied has called on Cem Özdemir and the Federal Government to reconsider their position and put the interests of German farmers and rural areas first, urging them to steer away from the proposed austerity measures.
Source: www.stern.de
