Agriculture ministers protest against sugar tax at Merz

With a joint letter to Chancellor Friedrich Merz, nine agriculture and consumer protection ministers from the CDU and CSU want to prevent the introduction of a sugar tax. In the letter, dated October 11th, they speak out against an additional tax on sugary products. The letter is available to the dpa news agency. “Bild” and “Welt” first reported on it.

The ministers from eight federal states and the Berlin consumer protection senator refer to the coalition agreement. When it comes to healthy eating, this relies on “voluntariness, incentives and personal responsibility”. A sugar tax, on the other hand, means state control and additional burdens for consumers. Instead, they call for more nutrition education and awareness.

State ministers warn of consequences for farmers

The department heads also warn of economic consequences for agriculture. In view of the rising costs for fertilizer and diesel, falling revenues cannot be achieved through intervention in the sugar market.

Federal Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) wants to use the tax on sugary drinks to encourage manufacturers to reduce sugar content. His draft envisages a tax from July 2027 on drinks with at least five grams of sugar per 100 milliliters.