Economic Minister Schulze: EU agricultural reform endangers our farmers!

Economic Minister Schulze: EU agricultural reform endangers our farmers!

In today's discussion about the reform of the joint agricultural policy (GAP) of the EU, Saxony-Anhalt's Economic Minister Sven Schulze is causing excitement. He described the European Commission's proposals as "unacceptable" and speaks of a radical renovation that could go at the expense of farmers. Schulze is decided against the changes that should come into force from 2028. The planned decline in the agricultural budget from around 387 billion to 300 billion euros leads to great concern among farmers. "This is unrealistic and not responsible," emphasizes Schulze, while at the federal and EU level against the reform in the current form.

The gap reform aims to change the funding criteria for agriculture. A central point is the merging of the agricultural pot with other policy areas, which, according to experts, could endanger the necessary support for agriculture. Since its introduction in 1962, this initiative has been developed to ensure adequate livelihood for European farmers and is therefore a decisive factor for the stability of food supply in the EU. According to agriculture.ec.europa.eu, the GAP should also promote sustainable management practices in order to counteract the challenges of climate change and to receive rural areas.

controversial cuts

Another point of dispute concerns the eco-regulations that are up for discussion as part of the GAP reform. While at least 30 percent of the budget should be reserved for these regulations, the responsible environmental department has now rejected this project. Currently, only 25 percent are planned for eco-regulations, which is due to many farmers. Agrarheute reports that flexibility in the budget distribution could lead to further uncertainties, especially if grant is not accessed. This practice could cause funds to be deducted from other areas when the eco-regulations are being exceeded.

A little light in the situation brings the "learning phase" from 2023 to 2024. During this time, unrefected funds can flow into the second pillar for eco-regulations, which is equivalent to a certain short-term buffer. But how sustainable is this approach if the farmers are still under pressure to generate market -friendly products? n-tv emphasizes that many farmers have to look at the upcoming changes with concern.