Agriculture - Mecklenburg-Vorpommern honors the performance of farmers in MV
Governor Manuela Schwesig (SPD) emphasized the significance of agriculture and food industry for Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and assured farmers support in their fight for better framework conditions. "It's good that the federal government is working on perspectives for agriculture. But that's not enough," stated the governor during a meeting with the heads of the farmers' association in Zahrensdorf (Ludwigslust-Parchim).
21,000 employees in agriculture and food industry
This meeting at the end of the wheat harvest is traditionally part of Schwesig's summer tour through the region. "I would like to express my thanks and respect to the employees in agriculture. They perform outstanding work under difficult conditions and ensure that we have good food on our tables," said the governor. According to her statements, about 21,000 people are employed in agriculture and food industry in the region, and another 14,000 in processing plants.
Farmers' protests
Many farmers had participated in nationwide protests at the turn of the year against the abolition of agricultural diesel subsidies and additional environmental regulations. Schwesig spoke out in favor of supporting farmers during the transition to ecological fuels. Critically, she commented on the plans of the Federal Government for the so-called substance flow balance. It would create more bureaucracy without contributing effectively to water protection. "Agriculture in Germany needs a perspective. We will fight for that," promised Schwesig.
Criticism from the farmers' association
Land Farmers' President Karsten Trunk recently criticized in the context of a first harvest balance the increasing restrictions in plant protection, which could lead to yield losses, for example in rapeseed. "A massive pest infestation since the fall is causing poor yields to be expected here," said Trunk. Farmers would be provided with fewer suitable pesticides.
Farmers, like doctors in human medicine, also need a broad palette of active ingredients. This has been recognized in the European Union, and the planned regulation on the sustainable use of plant protection products has been withdrawn. "Germany is holding back and is threatening with the 'Future Program Pflanzenschutz' to increasingly restrict the cultivation of cereals and oilseeds in Germany," criticized Trunk. Due to uncertain weather conditions, farmers in MV expect an average to good wheat harvest this year. The results are expected to vary regionally.
- Governor Manuela Schwesig emphasized the importance of the Federal Government providing better framework conditions for agriculture, as it is a significant sector in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
- During her summer tour, Governor Schwesig expressed her appreciation for the 21,000 employees working in agriculture and the food industry in the Ludwigslust-Parchim District, acknowledging their crucial role in supplying the region with food.
- In response to nationwide farmers' protests against the abolition of agricultural diesel subsidies and additional environmental regulations, Schwesig advocated for supporting farmers during their transition to ecological fuels.
- The President of the Land Farmers' Association, Karsten Trunk, criticized the increasing restrictions in plant protection, warning that it could lead to yield losses in crops such as rapeseed in Germany.
- Governor Schwesig and Trunk agreed that Germany needs to provide a perspective for agriculture, expressing concern over the Federal Government's plans for the 'Future Program Pflanzenschutz,' which may limit the cultivation of cereals and oilseeds in the country.
