Today, farmers and associations across Germany are taking to the streets to protest against the federal government's austerity plans. The issue of agricultural diesel is particularly contentious: subsidies for agricultural diesel are to be phased out gradually. This year by 40 percent, in the following two years by 30 percent each - with the aim that there will be no tax refund for diesel consumption in 2026. FreshPlaza.de has listed comments and planned protest actions from the fruit industry.
Increasing the cost of agricultural diesel does not contribute to climate protection
The planned gradual increase in the cost of agricultural diesel without compensation and alternatives does not provide any impetus for a fossil-free, climate-friendly agriculture, says organic association BÖLW. "For most applications, there is currently no alternative technology that farmers can use to make smart investments and operate in a more environmentally friendly way. Organic farmers already cultivate their land with significantly reduced energy use per hectare. Further optimization is hardly possible, so they would be significantly affected by the additional burdens."
Saxony: Fruit growers find the debate is focused too narrowly on agricultural diesel
Fruit growers in Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt find that the current debate on cuts for agriculture is focused too narrowly on the issue of agricultural diesel. "This is too one-sided and narrow-minded. It's about the endangerment of our existence through a comprehensive package of prohibitions and restrictions of agricultural policy from both Brussels and especially Berlin," explained Udo Jentzsch, Managing Director of the Saxon Fruit Association, which also represents the interests of fruit growers in Saxony-Anhalt.
'Higher diesel prices are a clear competitive disadvantage'
"German farmers, horticulturalists and foresters have to bear significantly higher diesel prices than their European competitors. For example, farmers in Denmark only pay 0.6 cents in taxes per liter, in France 0.7 cents per liter. German farmers have a tax burden of an average of 40 cents per liter. This is a clear competitive disadvantage," the Europlant Group quantifies using a graphic.
23 million Euro additional burden for asparagus and berry industry
In light of the abolition of the agricultural diesel refund, the vehicle tax exemption for agricultural vehicles, and the increase in the CO2 levy, the network of asparagus and berry associations e.V. conducted a survey among approximately 1000 asparagus and berry farms over the weekend, in which 135 farms participated. For the asparagus and berry industry, the political decisions mean an additional burden of 23 million euros. You can find the results here.
Limited opening hours at the wholesale markets and call for peaceful protest
Due to the planned nationwide major demos, many local fruit and vegetable wholesale markets are either completely closed or only opened to a limited extent. This applies, among others, to the wholesale markets in Bremen and Nuremberg. In addition, many farmers and associations are also calling for peaceful protest. "Peaceful protest against the current agricultural policy is crucial. Let's make sure that the rescue services can continue to roll and that we can make ourselves heard without polemics or similar!", says Gemüsehof Schmitt.