Crisis-proof or dependent? This is the state of Germany's food supply

Crisis-proof or dependent? This is the state of Germany's food supply

In Germany we enjoy the luxury of a rich and varied range of food that is available all year round thanks to globalized markets. But how secure is this supply in times of crisis? Trade disputes and geopolitical tensions are unsettling many consumers, particularly when it comes to self-sufficiency security. Current reports show that Germany is doing well in many respects, but also faces challenges.

The numbers speak for themselves: In 2022/23, Germans' level of self-sufficiency was 82 percent, which means that over a fifth of the food they need has to be imported. However, agriculture has developed significantly in recent decades and can now support almost 147 people per farmer - a notable increase compared to the 1990s. This comes from a report by ZDF out.

Level of self-sufficiency by food category

• Schweinefleisch: Hier liegt der Selbstversorgungsgrad bei 135 Prozent, wobei Deutschland über 2,2 Millionen Tonnen exportiert und gleichzeitig 942.000 Tonnen importiert, um die Nachfrage zu decken. Beliebt sind vor allem Schnitzel und Koteletts.
• Getreide: Mit einem Selbstversorgungsgrad von 104 Prozent, davon 111 Prozent für Weizen, ist Deutschland in dieser Kategorie gut aufgestellt und kaum von Lieferengpässen betroffen.
• Kartoffeln: Hier kann Deutschland sogar beeindruckende 153 Prozent an Selbstversorgung vorweisen und ist Europameister im Kartoffelanbau.
• Obst: Leider muss sich Deutschland mit einer Selbstversorgung von lediglich 20 Prozent begnügen, wobei 50 Prozent der konsumierten Äpfel importiert werden.
• Gemüse: Nur 37 Prozent des Gemüsebedarfs wird aus heimischen Anbau gedeckt, wobei Rot- und Weißkohl die einzigen Ausnahmen bilden, die die Nachfrage übertreffen.

Particularly interesting: The self-sufficiency level for sugar has increased to 155 percent, which indicates remarkable supra-regional production. And yet it remains to be said that the supply of fruit and vegetables depends heavily on imports, often due to more favorable production conditions in other countries.

Growing challenges

German agriculture is facing further challenges. Climate change is increasingly causing extreme weather that threatens crops and encourages pests. Of particular concern is the wider spread of the reed leafhopper, which is having a negative impact on the potato crop. This increases dependence on food imports, which can become a significant risk in times of crisis. Without imports of agricultural by-products, which are essential for food production, self-sufficient supplies would not be secured in the event of a crisis.

Nevertheless, the assessment remains optimistic, as the food supply in Germany is considered secure, even if there are weaknesses and dependencies. We are well equipped for many basic foods such as bread, schnitzel and fries, but we often have to look beyond the borders when it comes to the variety of vegetable side dishes and fresh fruit salads.

Developments in food production and supply are fast-moving. The last few years have shown that a rethink is necessary in order to be able to count on ourselves in the future. We can only hope that local agriculture continues to have a good hand in serving the domestic markets and satisfying consumers. Further information on this topic is available on the website Agriculture.de.

In summary, while Germany is strong in many areas of food production, the challenge remains to reduce dependence on imports at critical moments. A conscious use of local products and direct cultivation in your own garden can make a valuable contribution here and thus strengthen security of supply in the long term.