Farm discussion in Hattenrod: Minister Jung and the concerns of farmers

The ministerial visits are not just a matter of form, they serve to exchange the essential questions of agriculture. Langsdorf referred to the challenges that arise from bureaucratic hurdles and increasing demands on farmers. "More and more conditions are often out of the question," he noted critically, emphasizing the need for state funding in order to secure the existence of companies such as the Tannenhof.

Another decisive topic at this meeting was the appearance of wolves, which are increasingly a problem for pasture keepers. Farmers often feel left alone here, which is why Langsdorf asked to include the wolf into hunting law. This would mean that the wolf is no longer under protection all year round and its stocks can be better controlled.

Minister Jung stated that the change in hunting rights with regard to the wolf is already imminent and is anchored in the coalition agreement. He assured the pasture keepers that they should not be afraid for their animals and that the state government is planning measures to quickly help animal owners in the event of damage caused by wolves and beavers.

the look ahead

The talks between Minister Jung and Langsdorf illustrated the importance of companies such as the "Tannenhof", which not only contribute to regional added value, but also play an important role in ecological landscape maintenance. Minister Jung made it clear that such farms form the backbone of rural areas and shape the cultural landscape of Hesse by grazing animals.

Langsdorf emphasized that it is crucial for the future to continue operating sustainably and pass it on to the next generation. He emphasized the challenges with which the sector is confronted and warned that a "once closed court gate" will never be opened again - which symbolizes the closure of an agricultural operation and the associated source of food for the region. Such messages are essential for politics to raise awareness of the profound challenges that farmers have to cope with today.

The discussion about animal husbandry and the challenges of farmers in Hesse includes in addition to ecological and economic aspects, and social attitudes towards agriculture. The perception of farmers has changed steadily in recent decades. Many citizens now recognize the importance of sustainable agriculture for the environment and the region. Nevertheless, prejudices and misunderstandings are still widespread. The farmer's profession is often not considered attractive, which leads to a shortage of skilled workers. Fewer and fewer young people opt for this profession, making the risk that valuable knowledge and traditions are lost. This is a worrying trend for rural areas, which also has an impact on the regional production of food.

In view of the challenges in front of which agriculture faces, initiatives to promote regionality and sustainable production are of great importance. These are aimed not only at farmers, but also to consumers. Information campaigns and programs that clearly communicate the connection between agriculture, nutrition and environmental protection could help promote understanding of the work of farmers and to strengthen the awareness of regional products. It is responsible for both politics and society to promote a dialogue that takes the concerns and concerns of farmers seriously and incorporates into sustainable strategies.

The wolf and its effects on agriculture

The wolf is a central topic in the conversations about pasture animals in Hesse. The return of the wolves to Hessian nature has led to increased conflicts between nature conservation and animal husbandry in recent years. While the wolf is under nature conservation and is considered a protected species, its presence increases the pressure on the pasture holders, which is often very afraid of protecting their animals. The estimate of the wolf population in Germany is several hundred animals, and more than ten packs were already demonstrated in Hesse at the end of 2023. According to the Hessian Ministry of the Environment, Climate Protection, Agriculture and Consumer Protection, the effects of wolf attacks on sheep's herds must not be underestimated and have significant economic consequences for the affected companies.

The discussion about hunting law for wolves is not only characterized by ecological, but also by social and economic issues. Opponents of hunting often argue that a decline in wolves could disrupt natural ecosystems and have negative effects on biodiversity. Proponents, on the other hand, state that it is necessary to find a balance in order to ensure the protection of the pasture animals and to manage the wolf stocks sustainably. Politicians have the task of finding appropriate solutions here that take into account the interests of farmers and species protection.

support for agriculture through funding programs

In order to cope with the challenges of farmers, concrete measures and support offers are necessary. The Hessian state government has put on various funding programs that aim to make agricultural businesses future -proof. This includes grants for modernization and investment projects as well as financial support for environmentally friendly management methods. An example of this is EU and state funds that are specially provided for companies in rural regions in order to support them in sustainable development. Farmers should be informed about all available programs and their conditions in order to be able to use the full range of support.