The ZKL made several recommendations last year to reform agriculture. One of the key points is the recognition that it is a collective responsibility. The committee emphasizes that the agricultural sector must transform to become more environmentally and animal-friendly while maintaining the economic viability of farmers.
In recent weeks, a crisis atmosphere had developed between the two delegations within the Future Committee after the environmental organizations criticized DBV chairman Joachim Rukwied for the way he publicly distanced himself from the ZKL endorsement of plans to fund the conversion of outdated livestock barns and improve animal welfare.
The center-left German traffic light coalition (of SPD, Greens, and FDP) wants to partially finance this through an increase in the VAT on meat (from 7 to 19 percent), and included this last month in next year’s agricultural budget. Rukwied heavily criticized this and even threatened new farmers’ demonstrations. He accused the environmental and nature organizations of having consented within the ZKL to the controversial meat tax, while German politics—according to him—still brings too few structural improvements.
During a clarifying conversation last week, the German Farmers' Association stated it wanted to continue supporting the principles of the ZKL. At the same time, those involved realized they do not have to blindly follow the coalition’s plans. It was acknowledged by both parties that the ZKL’s recent focus on ad hoc solutions was a wrong decision.
Recent talks between the ZKL and the German government, including a meeting with Chancellor Olaf Scholz, have resulted in a number of important commitments. Scholz acknowledged the urgency of the situation and promised to take measures that support both the agricultural sector and environmental goals.