AfD criticizes strategy dialogue agriculture: demand for comprehensive rescue for farmers

AfD criticizes strategy dialogue agriculture: demand for comprehensive rescue for farmers

The AfD parliamentary group in the state parliament of Baden-Württemberg has sharply criticized the objectives of the strategy dialogue agriculture. Dennis Klecker, agricultural policy spokesman for the parliamentary group, emphasizes that fundamental problems are not addressed despite the financial support for agriculture. The state government would not take the concerns of farmers who manifested themselves in the protests at the beginning of the year. In particular, it is pointed out that the promotion of regional organic products and ecoland construction are not sufficient to stop the rapid declines at family businesses. Klecker calls for a comprehensive rescue of agriculture because consumers are increasingly inflexible due to increasing food prices.

Agriculture in Baden-Württemberg faces major challenges. In recent years, the number of farms has decreased continuously, while at the same time the companies that work profitably are increasing. According to the State Statistical Office of Baden-Württemberg, there were around 36,500 farms in the federal state in 2020, which is a significant decline compared to 2010 than there were over 45,000 companies. This development not only leads to a loss of jobs, but also to a reduction in the variety of cultures and companies in the region.

The critical opinion of Klecker reflects the concerns of many farmers who feel little heard by current politics. The debate about the support of agriculture is increasingly focusing on topics such as sustainability and ecologization, while traditional agricultural models and practical implementation often come into the background. This could have far-reaching consequences for local agriculture, especially in a country, which is strongly shaped by agriculture, such as Baden-Württemberg, where many family businesses are already fighting for their existence.

In addition, it should be noted that the prices for food have increased steadily in recent years. According to the Federal Statistical Office, consumer prices for food have increased by an average of 30% between 2010 and 2023. This trend could have a negative impact on the demand for organic products, since many consumers usually return to conventionally produced food due to the higher prices.

The discussion about the future of agriculture in Baden-Württemberg is urgently required. Finding a balance between ecological goals and the financial stability of the companies could be the key to the rescue of many family businesses in the region. The dialogue not only has to reflect the government's perspective, but also take the votes of active farmers seriously to develop sustainable solutions that can ensure both the economic and ecological future of agriculture in Baden-Württemberg.

Source: AfD parliamentary group in the state parliament of Baden-Württemberg/OTS