New farm animal strategy: Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania wants to save dairy farmers

New farm animal strategy: Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania wants to save dairy farmers

in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the number of dairy farms has been continuously decreasing for years. This development has far -reaching effects on the local community and food supply.

national trend in the decline in animal husbandry

The number of dairy farms in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania has dropped by more than 500 in the past two decades-currently only 319 companies have been active. This decline reflects what happens in many rural areas in Germany: a drop in animal husbandry figures, which affects not only farmers themselves, but also the nutritional care, the regional economy and the cultural identity of the Region.

fears of farmers and the call for changes

Klaus-Dieter Augustin, a milk maker from Kemnitz near Greifswald with 600 cows, describes the concerns about the dependence on imported food: "We are already getting gas and oil from somewhere else. Do we also want to drive our food for half continent?" These fears are widespread because the preservation of regional companies also helps to reduce the environmental impact on long transport routes.

political framework as a key factor

Minister of Agriculture Till Backhaus emphasizes the role of bureaucratic hurdles that advance the decline in animal husbandry. "In the administration you would stand in the way of each other," he says, referring to the need to tighten the approval process for stable buildings. The minister also sees political decisions in Berlin as part of the problem that damages Swiss cuisine and stalls changes in agriculture.

strategies for strengthening animal husbandry

To fight against the concerns and challenges, the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania plans to make targeted investments in animal husbandry from next year. This is a step to emphasize the importance of the circular economy based on healthy animal husbandry. The support also includes leasing state -owned areas and help with conversions of existing stables, which is a great relief for many farmers.

renovation of small companies as a common challenge

The situation for smaller companies is particularly worrying. Sabine Krüger, the managing director of the Rinder Allianz in Woldegk, reports that many companies with fewer than 200 cows are hardly able to survive. "The trend is towards larger herds that are no longer organized by families," she explains and warns of an increasingly industrial agriculture in which investors could take control.

strengthen community awareness

The declines in the dairy industry and the challenges with which farmers are confronted require a rethink in the community. Through local support and strengthening regional products, consumers and producers can work together to agree on the needs for sustainability and regional identity.