German agricultural organisations have again urged the centre-left coalition in Berlin to abandon an announced ban on the use of certain chemical agents in agriculture and horticulture. They are also calling for a relaxation of stricter rules against nitrogen use through fertilisers and artificial fertilizers.
The agricultural organizations and the CDU/CSU opposition say that agriculture still desperately needs crop protection products and point to the disappointing grain and fruit harvests of 2024. The German Farmers' Union (DBV) warns that a ban could seriously damage the already vulnerable agricultural sector.
This year's poor harvest is partly due to the heavy rainfall that hit Germany in early 2024. This precipitation caused considerable damage to fruit cultivation. The German Farmers' Association reports that the fruit harvest in some regions will be lower until 20%, putting enormous pressure on the already shaky agricultural markets.
DBV chairman Joachim Rukwied said in an initial reaction that the agricultural sector is dependent on chemical agents to achieve decent harvests. He stressed that the situation is getting worse due to increasingly strict regulations.
Rukwied also expressed his concerns about the future of food supply, calling on the government to recognize the importance of the agricultural sector and ensure that farmers have the means to protect their crops.
According to the DBV chairman, the idea of switching to more sustainable methods must be accompanied by realistic transition periods and sufficient support from the government.
German arable farmers are complaining that the protein content of their wheat is threatening to drop below the required 12 percent because they are allowed to spread less nitrogen via (artificial) fertilizer. Some are said to be planning to switch to growing corn. This would also put the quality of German 'brödchen' under pressure.
In Germany, up to 35,000 tons of pesticides are used annually, often in wine and hop cultivation. This corresponds to about half a kilo per inhabitant. Apple trees are by far the most sprayed in Germany: about 20 to 30 times per season. Chemical-synthetic pesticides are largely prohibited in their cultivation.