Traffic Light Authorities Underfire for Alleged Breach of Agricultural Aid Promises by Farmers' Coalition
Farmers take a stand by barricading roads across the country with their tractors, voicing their discontent over budget reductions in the agriculture sector by the German government at the start of the year. The current ruling coalition has made assurances of aid, but the Farmers' Association president is insisting on swift action - or else there will be consequences.
The Farmers' Association is calling for concrete aid measures from the German government after the widespread tractor demonstrations at the beginning of the year. "The anger hasn't gone away," said Farmers' Association President Joachim Rukwied. "We need a rethink of agricultural policy, and if that doesn't happen, frustration will escalate."
Rukwied also hinted at potential concessions, saying that businesses could balance out the impact of good and bad years on their finances through tax relief. "If profit smoothing isn't implemented, farmers will feel betrayed. That will further erode the already fragile trust in politics. The coalition partners need to be aware of this."
Following nationwide farmer protests due to the cancellation of agricultural diesel subsidies at the beginning of the year, the traffic light coalition has promised other forms of aid to the industry, including exemptions from bureaucratic red tape and tax regulations, which should be determined by the summer. The state of the agricultural industry is a topic up for discussion at the German Farmers' Day in Cottbus this Wednesday and Thursday.
Rukwied underlined, "Business conditions remain tough." In key areas, prices have dropped drastically compared to 1.5 years ago. Meanwhile, costs for fertilizers, pesticides, and energy remain high.
For the ongoing economic year 2023/24, the Farmers' Association President confirmed, "Sadly, we are anticipating massive profit losses in many sectors, and that's no longer just speculation." Last year's company earnings, which still need to cover investments, reached an all-time high.
