An empty wagon as a warning: At the state harvest festival in Grabow, south of Schwerin, the farmers' association also placed an empty wagon without ears of grain or crops in the colorful parade in order to point out what the association says is a dramatic situation for agricultural businesses in MV.
“Our businesses are threatened with their existence due to the exploding costs,” warned Karsten Trunk, President of the MV Farmers’ Association. Where a farm gives up, there is much more than just a gap. It means empty shelves, empty plates and, in the end, an empty rural area.
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania's Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig (SPD) had previously praised agriculture in the northeast as "one of the most modern and efficient in Europe" during her speech at the Thanksgiving festival. “We can be proud of that,” said the head of government, who has been in office since 2017 and who is currently in exploratory talks for a new coalition following the results of the state elections.
Reduction in bureaucracy and reliable framework conditions required
The Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Farmers' Association has presented an extensive list of demands for the emerging red-red-green coalition negotiations. “The future coalition partners must give agriculture and rural areas a clear weight in the coalition agreement. Our companies need planning security, economic prospects and freedom for business decisions,” said association president Karsten Trunk to the German Press Agency.
Priority would be given to competitive framework conditions, a noticeable reduction in bureaucracy and the implementation of European requirements without additional national tightening. This also included reliably financed agricultural support and the protection of agricultural land.
Schwesig promises further support
In Grabow, Schwesig assured the farmers of continued support from the state government. She referred to her commitment to reintroducing tax relief for agricultural diesel. We have to tackle challenges together. Schwesig said she wanted to stay in conversation with the farmers.
However, the Greens will also sit in the state government in the future. According to its own statements, the farmers' association expects to shape agriculture and environmental policy together with the companies. Food security, economically viable agriculture and environmental and climate protection must be brought together. “Anyone who expects higher environmental performance must ensure reliable and income-generating remuneration. Cooperation and voluntariness must have priority,” warned Trunk.
Reliable conditions for animal husbandry
A particular focus of the coalition negotiations must be the future of animal husbandry. Faster approvals, secure financing for their further development and the preservation of regional slaughter and processing capacities are required. There is also a need for prospects for biogas plants and greater investment support.
“Our companies can only invest if political commitments last beyond the next budget debate. Anyone who wants to preserve regional food, animal husbandry and added value in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania must create concrete development opportunities,” emphasized the association president.
With a view to a possible division of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Environment into two departments, the political orientation is in the foreground for farmers. “A division alone does not create better conditions for agriculture. We need a ministry in which agriculture has a clear priority, a ministry that actively supports economic development,” demanded Trunk.
