Desperate farmers in Saxony: falling prices and lack of rain!

Desperate farmers in Saxony: falling prices and lack of rain!

Sachsen, Deutschland - Agriculture faces difficult times in Saxony. The current developments show how much farmers suffer from the financial pressure, which is tightened by falling grain prices and persistent drought. According to stern.de , market fruit building has now become a loss transaction. This is particularly noticeable: grain prices have been constant and are below the previous year's level.

But not only the prices are worried. High costs for equipment such as seeds, fertilizers and pesticides make it more difficult for farmers to market their products. "There is no trend reversal for the falling prices in sight," Torsten Krawczyk, President of the Saxon State Farmers' Association. Agriculture Minister Georg-Ludwig von Breitenbuch (CDU) notes that the economic situation of agricultural companies in the 2023/24 financial year has deteriorated significantly.

difficult weather conditions

The weather, a crucial factor for success in agriculture, is also not good for farmers. Despite the good conditions for sowing, the lack of water in the soil has dramatically tightened the situation. A look at the floors shows that the water supplies in the underbody lose a lot - which could have dramatic consequences in the hot season. The State Farmers' Association also warns of an inadequate range of foods, the yields should remain strongly.

Despite the challenges, there are also bright spots: the proceeds from the sale of milk, grain, oil fruits and pigs achieve the second best result of the past 20 years. However, these positive aspects are overshadowed by the overall economic difficulties in the industry. Minister of Breitenbuch emphasizes that a resistant and sustainable agriculture is necessary, which can actually work.

funding and support

In order to meet these outfit, the compensation allowance for disadvantaged areas in Saxony will continue with 12.5 million euros annually. This could be an important component to give Saxon farmers at least some planning security. The farmers in Saxony currently manage around 700,000 hectares of arable land, of which 384,400 hectares are used for grain cultivation and 109,000 hectares for winter raps.

An overview of the framework conditions of agricultural production as well as information on lease prices and funding can be found in a new brochure by the State Ministry of Environment and Agriculture. This publication also contains developments in organic farming and illuminates the training in the Greens. Interested parties can download the brochure as a PDF because it is only available electronically ( publications.sachsen.de ).

The current situation of Saxon agriculture requires quick action and innovative thinking. It remains to be hoped that those responsible will find suitable solutions promptly to support the farmers in this difficult time.