Food - Özdemir in favor of raising VAT on meat
Federal Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir has spoken in favor of a slight increase in the Value-Added Tax (VAT) on meat to finance the transformation of livestock farming to higher standards. The Green politician took up a corresponding proposal from the Farmers' Association at the German Farmers' Day in Cottbus on Thursday and said, "I am ready for that." This would not mean raising the VAT on the full amount, but only a few points. At the same time, politics should reach an agreement that this money would only be used in livestock farming for the conversion of barns and for higher animal husbandry standards.
Özdemir said, "That's a smart proposal." Farmers' President Joachim Rukwied had clearly stated that the VAT on meat could be increased by two or three percentage points from the previously calculated seven percent - but not to the full 19 percent, so that low-income families could still afford meat and sausages. The background is that farmers should not be left alone with investments in barn conversions and higher running costs. The Red-Green Coalition has reserved a billion euros for pig farming as a starting capital, but has been fighting for a lasting, comprehensive financing for months.
Özdemir advocated for the planned relief package that the coalition intends to decide on at the beginning of the year, after nationwide farmers' protests against the end of Diesel subsidies. He defended the planned stricter animal welfare regulations against industry criticism, but assured a dialogue for new regulations to reduce the use of chemical plant protection products.
Farmers' Day 2024 in Cottbus
Cem Özdemir, the Federal Agriculture Minister, emphasized the potential of a VAT increase on meat to fund improvements in livestock farming during the Farmers' Day in Cottbus, Germany. This deployment of funds would solely be utilized for renovating barns and enhancing animal husbandry standards within the agricultural sector. Cem Özdemir suggested that this proposed change would not result in a significant increase in the overall VAT rate, ensuring affordability for consumers, particularly low-income families. In Berlin, politicians are actively working towards reaching a consensus on this matter and securing financial support for farmers amidst their barn conversion investments and elevated operational costs.
