Economics Minister Schulze: EU agricultural reform endangers our farmers!

Economics Minister Schulze: EU agricultural reform endangers our farmers!

In today's discussion about the reform of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), Saxony-Anhalt's Economics Minister Sven Schulze is causing a stir. He has described the European Commission's proposals as "unacceptable" and speaks of a radical restructuring that could come at the expense of farmers. Schulze is firmly against the changes, which are due to come into force in 2028. The planned decrease in the agricultural budget from around 387 billion to 300 billion euros is causing great concern among farmers. “That is unrealistic and irresponsible,” emphasizes Schulze, while opposing the reform in its current form at federal and EU levels.

The reform of the CAP aims to change the eligibility criteria for agriculture. A central point is the merger of the agricultural fund with other policy areas, which, according to experts, could jeopardize the necessary support for agriculture. Since its launch in 1962, this initiative has been designed to ensure a decent living for European farmers and is therefore a crucial factor for the stability of the EU's food supply. According to agriculture.ec.europa.eu, the CAP also aims to promote sustainable farming practices to address the challenges of climate change and preserve rural areas.

Controversial cuts

Another point of contention concerns the eco-regulations that are being discussed as part of the CAP reform. While at least 30 percent of the budget was originally supposed to be reserved for these regulations, the responsible environmental department has now rejected this plan. Currently only 25 percent is planned for organic regulations, which is met with dissatisfaction among many farmers. Agricultural today reports that flexibility in budget distribution could lead to further uncertainty, especially if funding is not accessed. This practice could result in funds having to be withdrawn from other areas if the eco-regulations are oversubscribed.

The “learning phase” from 2023 to 2024 sheds some light on the situation. During this time, unused funds for eco-regulations can flow into the second pillar, which amounts to a certain short-term buffer. But how sustainable is this approach if farmers are still under pressure to produce market-oriented products? N-TV highlights that many farmers are concerned about the upcoming changes and will have to wait and see how market conditions develop.

Future of the CAP and farmers

The CAP aims not only to support incomes, but also to improve agricultural productivity and support jobs in the agricultural sector—an important task in an environment where farmers often face enormous challenges. The pressure of the climate crisis and the need for sustainable practices are a strong focus. Commitment to the CAP could help create reassuring prospects for farmers in the long term, but the current reform brings with it uncertainties that bring beads of sweat to the brow.

The next few months will be crucial for the implementation of the reforms and the future of agriculture in Europe. Schulze and numerous other industry players will do everything in their power to represent farmers' interests while seeking a sustainable path for Europe's future food supply.