East German farmers in turmoil: EU cuts endanger agriculture!

East German farmers in turmoil: EU cuts endanger agriculture!

In the past few days, a heated debate about the upcoming changes to the EU agricultural policy has excited the minds of farmers in East Germany. The regions of Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia are particularly affected, where the representatives of the farmers sharply criticize the planned cuts of the agricultural subsidies. MDR that the EU provides for a reduction in financial resources from 20 percent to a total of 300 billion euros. Saxony's Minister of Agriculture Sven Schulze sees these reform plans a radical renovation at the expense of farmers.

The concerns of farmers are not unfounded. The Vice President of the Saxon Farmers' Association, Thomas Thiele, describes the plans as a "slap in the face" for the hard -working farmers who have laboriously built up their businesses according to German unity. "Now the funding will be canceled, and that is very worried," explains Thiele. The Vice President of the Saxony-Anhalt Farmers' Association, Sven Borchert, also criticizes the arbitrary criteria of the EU Commission on the need and may require more understanding regulations.

contradictory signals from Brussels

As part of the planned financial framework for the common agricultural policy (GAP) from 2028, the funds for farmers are to be reduced by 20 percent despite a total budget of 700 billion euros. Br.de reports that according to insiders, the direct payments that are particularly important for the existence of many companies could be affected. The Federal Minister of Agriculture Alois Rainer expressed optimism about the financial plans, but also emphasized the warning of negative consequences of such cuts. "It's a constant back and forth," says Rainer.

The joint agricultural policy (GAP) of the EU, which has existed since 1962, pursues the goal of supporting agriculture and ensuring food supply. It should not only promote productivity, but also receive rural areas and jobs in agriculture. The next reform of the GAP, which is carried out well coordinated by the EU, provides for the Member States to grant more freedom of maneuver when using the funds. According to the European Commission , which the GAP manages, farmers are offered various support options through direct payments and market measures.

These developments not only raise questions about the financial future of farmers, but also pose the risk of unequal competitive conditions between the Member States, especially when different national plans come up. The Thuringian Farmers' Association therefore calls for a return to the current system to eliminate the existing uncertainty.

Overall, the situation will remain exciting. The details of the GAP reform are to be published in September, and it remains to be seen how farmers will fight for their existence. What is clear: The discussion is far from over and a good knack in dealing with this topic is essential.