Scholz praises the water buffalo project: Agriculture meets the environment!

Scholz praises the water buffalo project: Agriculture meets the environment!

On October 9, 2025, former Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) visited an innovative agricultural nature conservation project near Werder (Havel). Together with Brandenburg's Agriculture Minister Hanka Mittelstädt (SPD), Scholz went on an entertaining excursion during which he not only petted water buffaloes, but also explored the impressive synergies between agriculture and biodiversity. Scholz praised the initiatives that enable farmers to sustainably manage wet areas by keeping water buffaloes. Such projects are primarily supported by state funds and are exemplary for nature and climate protection in Brandenburg.

A highlight of the excursion was the fen area near Plessow in the Potsdam-Mittelmark district. The water buffaloes greeted Scholz and Mittelstädt with visibly much joy, which visibly pleased the local farmers. Scholz pointed out the responsibility of farmers, who use sustainable practices to protect not only the climate, but also water and soil.

Nature conservation in everyday farming

During the discussions it became clear that cooperative agricultural companies are prepared to contribute to the protection of nature beyond their company boundaries. These approaches are part of a larger trend: the promotion of sustainable agriculture and the preservation of biodiversity is being promoted not only in Brandenburg, but also internationally. Other countries, such as Switzerland, are also showing that development in this direction is necessary with concepts to promote sustainable agricultural landscapes and protected habitats. The debate about the best strategies - whether through intensive production on a smaller area or through sustainable production - must stick to these approaches.

International efforts towards biodiversity also show that the correct handling of agricultural land is crucial. According to a review by FiBL, the combination of undisturbed habitats and sustainably managed areas is essential for biodiversity. These considerations are not just theoretical; they also find practical application in daily agricultural life. In the EU, around 60% of arable land is used for animal feed, leading to debates about the effectiveness and environmental footprint of current agricultural strategies.

Conclusion: A way into the future

Scholz’s visit and the tour of the water buffalo project show that a change in agriculture is underway. It's about looking at the different facets of agriculture and cleverly combining the sparing and sharing approaches in order to promote both food production and biodiversity protection. Those responsible agree: Sustainable biodiversity can only be achieved through a well-thought-out interaction of sustainable methods and agricultural practice. In this mission, farmers depend on political support - and this is exactly where the project in Werder comes into play.

Overall, Scholz's visit is an encouraging thing that combines local politics and environmental awareness. It remains to be hoped that such projects will not only remain in Brandenburg, but will serve as a model for the whole of Germany.