The meeting took place in Baden-Baden and was accompanied by protests from farmers and environmental activists. Farmers expressed their dissatisfaction with low prices, high costs, and excessive regulation. Environmental organizations, on the other hand, called for stricter controls on pesticide use and greater protection of nature and biodiversity.
Most decisions regarding German agriculture and food policy are made 'in consultation' between the federal government in Berlin and the state governments. As a result, national policy is often general in nature with room for regional adjustments. Conversely, the federal government usually cannot act without the support of the federal states.
In more than half of the federal states, the agriculture minister is from the CDU. In the remaining states, ministers from the SPD or the Greens hold this portfolio. They demand more clarity from the new CDU-SPD government regarding financial support for farmers and rural areas, as well as less bureaucratic regulation.
The ministers agree that farmers need more security about their income. Therefore, they do not want to add extra requirements to the existing 'eco-rules' linked to European subsidies for the time being. They also believe that current income support for farmers should be maintained to keep rural areas attractive to young entrepreneurs.
A key concern is the financial situation of small and poor municipalities in rural areas. The ministers are calling for more resources and support to keep these regions livable. There is an urgent need for better infrastructure, public transport, digital facilities, and housing, especially for young families.
The agriculture ministers also want the rules around manure use to be revised. They believe the current fertilization rules are too strict and difficult for farmers to implement in practice. This increases pressure on farms, especially in regions where environmental goals also have to be met. The call for a change in direction is widespread: fewer rules, more clarity, and better support for rural areas.
The ministers emphasized that sustainable goals are only achievable with sufficient subsidies and support among farmers. They urge the federal government to quickly provide clarity about the future of subsidies and legislation. A new consultation will follow in June to review whether Berlin has responded to their requests.