Minister Özdemir has argued that investments in agriculture are crucial, especially in times of economic uncertainty. This is not only necessary for food security but also for the further development of sustainable agricultural practices. 'Farmers need to know where they stand,' he said earlier.
The decision to largely spare the agricultural sector highlights the strategic value Germany places on its farming sector, says BMEL. While other sectors face substantial cuts, funding for agriculture remains largely intact, including the promised support for the introduction of a new agricultural insurance.
In three German federal states, including Lower Saxony, an agricultural insurance is being introduced, specifically aimed at biodynamic farmers. This new ‘multi-risk insurance’ offers protection against a wide range of natural disasters that can cause significant damage to crops and undermine farmers’ financial stability.
This insurance is particularly important for organic and biodynamic farmers, because their sustainable practices often make them more vulnerable to the effects of extreme weather. The BMEL ministry has not only supported this regional measure but also encourages other federal states to introduce similar insurance schemes.
Biodynamic farmers often face higher risks due to their limited use of conventional protective agents such as pesticides and fertilizers. This makes them especially dependent on the whims of the weather. The "Mehrgefahrenversicherung" is designed to protect their income, Berlin emphasizes.
BMEL further states that this insurance is also intended to support the broader goals of the agricultural transition. Germany aims to significantly increase the share of organically cultivated farmland by 2030. Minister of Agriculture Cem Özdemir hopes that more federal states will follow suit to strengthen organic farming throughout Germany.