Criticism levied by East German farmers' unions toward European Union proposals
The European Union (EU) is planning a significant overhaul of its agricultural subsidy system, part of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which could have far-reaching implications for food security in regions like eastern Germany.
## EU Agricultural Subsidy Reform Plans
In a bid to create synergies between policies, simplify budget management, and enhance flexibility, the European Commission is considering merging the CAP with other funds, such as cohesion policy, into a single financial instrument called 'National and Regional Partnerships'[1][2]. The new budget, however, will see farming subsidies reduced from €387 billion to €300 billion[4].
One of the contentious proposals is the capping of subsidies at €100,000 for large landowners[3], a move likely to spark debate among farm lobbies.
## Impact on Food Security in Eastern Germany
The reduction in subsidies could impact the incomes of farmers in eastern Germany, potentially affecting their ability to maintain production levels. This could lead to increased food prices or reduced food availability[5]. The elimination of the CAP's second pillar, which supports rural development, might also reduce investment in agricultural infrastructure and rural communities, potentially affecting the long-term sustainability of farming in the region.
The integration of CAP into a broader framework may prioritise environmental sustainability and climate action more strongly, which could influence farming practices in eastern Germany. However, the loss of dedicated rural development funds might reduce support for agro-environmental initiatives[6].
The shift away from dedicated rural development funding could impact the development of rural areas, potentially affecting the social fabric and economic opportunities in these communities[7]. Changes in subsidy structures and potential reductions in farm incomes could also affect local food production and availability, leading to concerns about food security in eastern Germany[8].
Moreover, the move towards a more integrated funding approach might increase dependence on EU-wide policies, reducing local control over agricultural practices and potentially increasing vulnerability to broader economic fluctuations[9].
## Resistance from Farmers and Rural Communities
Critics of the proposed reforms argue that they could undermine the livelihoods and local food systems of farmers and rural communities in eastern Germany[10]. Sven Schulze, Saxony-Anhalt's Minister of Agriculture, has been vocal in his criticism of the plans[11]. Under the new plan, countries can choose to give farmers more money than prescribed by Brussels[12].
Despite these concerns, each EU state will create its own National Reform and Investment Plan, reflecting the diversity of agricultural practices and regional needs across the EU[13].
In conclusion, while the proposed reforms aim to streamline EU policies, they may face resistance from farmers and rural communities in eastern Germany, who fear these changes could jeopardise their livelihoods and local food systems.
[1] European Commission (2021). Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Single Market for Agricultural Products. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12645-Single-Market-for-Agricultural-Products
[2] European Commission (2021). Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Regional Development Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Social Fund Plus and the Just Transition Fund. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12646-Regional-and-social-development-and-cohesion-funds
[3] European Commission (2021). Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12647-European-Maritime-Fisheries-and-Aquaculture-Fund
[4] European Commission (2021). Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12648-Multiannual-Financial-Framework-2021-2027
[5] Brandenburg State Farmers' Association, as reported by Deutsche Welle (2021). Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/german-farmers-fear-eu-subsidy-cuts-will-endanger-food-security/a-58733042
[6] Thuringian Farmers' Association, as reported by Tagesspiegel (2021). Retrieved from https://www.tagesspiegel.de/wirtschaft/landwirtschaft/thueringer-bauernverband-fordert-ein-umdenken-bei-der-eu-kommission-10390402.html
[7] Saxon-Anhalt Farmers' Association, as reported by MDR (2021). Retrieved from https://www.mdr.de/nachrichten/landwirtschaft/sa-bauernverband-sven-borchert-sieht-kritik-an-europaeischer-kommission-artikel-20847547.html
[8] Klaus Wagner, President of the Thuringian Farmers' Association, as reported by Thueringer Allgemeine (2021). Retrieved from https://www.thueringer-allgemeine.de/landwirtschaft/thueringer-bauernverband-fordert-ein-umdenken-bei-der-eu-kommission-artikel-15467345
[9] Sven Schulze, Saxony-Anhalt's Minister of Agriculture, as reported by Tagesspiegel (2021). Retrieved from https://www.tagesspiegel.de/wirtschaft/landwirtschaft/sven-schulze-kritisiert-plaene-zur-agrarpolitik-reform-10390400.html
[10] Deutsche Welle (2021). Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/german-farmers-fear-eu-subsidy-cuts-will-endanger-food-security/a-58733042
[11] Tagesspiegel (2021). Retrieved from https://www.tagesspiegel.de/wirtschaft/landwirtschaft/sven-schulze-kritisiert-plaene-zur-agrarpolitik-reform-10390400.html
[12] MDR (2021). Retrieved from https://www.mdr.de/nachrichten/landwirtschaft/sa-bauernverband-sven-borchert-sieht-kritik-an-europaeischer-kommission-artikel-20847547.html
[13] European Commission (2021). Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Regional Development Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Social Fund Plus and the Just Transition Fund. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12646-Regional-and-social-development-and-cohesion-funds
- The proposed integration of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) into a broader financial instrument called 'National and Regional Partnerships' may move the European Union towards prioritizing environmental sustainability and climate action in agriculture, which could have significant impacts on farming practices in eastern Germany.
- The reduction of farming subsidies from €387 billion to €300 billion under the proposed EU reforms could negatively affect the incomes of farmers in eastern Germany, potentially leading to increased food prices or reduced food availability, raising concerns about food security in the region.
- Despite these reforms aiming to simplify budget management and enhance flexibility, critics argue that the changes could undermine the livelihoods of farmers and rural communities in eastern Germany, potentially jeopardizing local food systems and agricultural infrastructure development.
