How can farmers be financially supported in view of the enormously increased costs, especially in the energy sector? This was one of the central topics of the Agricultural Ministers' Conference in Quedlinburg. In order for agricultural and forestry businesses to bear the rising energy costs, they are also to benefit from the planned aid for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as part of the energy price reduction package. This was agreed upon at the meeting of the agricultural ministers of the states and the federal government.
Together with Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Rhineland-Palatinate, Thuringia, and the Union-led states, Saarland also called on the federal government to increase the relief for companies using diesel fuel to the maximum level permitted under EU law.
Such a tangible relief for the local agriculture improves its competitiveness in the European market and is a prerequisite for curbing raw material costs and thus also the price developments of food products.
The background is that, in practice, fuel diesel in particular cannot easily be replaced, but is absolutely necessary. With few exceptions, all currently used self-propelled agricultural machines rely on diesel fuel. This applies to harvesting, soil cultivation, as well as mechanical weed control. The latter is especially required to a greater extent for a reduced use of chemical-synthetic pesticides, as is standard in organic farming.
Saarland's Minister Petra Berg emphasized: "We fully support our farmers on this issue. Our agricultural businesses in Saarland are currently under enormous pressure due to price developments in the most important production factors. Harmonizing energy taxation, in this case through a reduction of diesel fuel taxation in Germany, could reduce existing competitive distortions, especially in border regions, and contribute to much-needed relief for the businesses. At the same time, we encourage farmers to transition to organic farming or to participate in future programs aimed at reducing the use of pesticides. Ensuring the supply of regional products is another important concern of mine."
