German farmers protest end of diesel subsidies amid broader agriculture struggles
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German farmers are protesting the government's plans to end diesel subsidies and agricultural vehicle tax exemptions by 2024. However, farms on average made healthy profits of €115,000 in 2022/23.
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While farming generates under 1% of Germany's GDP, the country leads the EU market in milk, pork, and potatoes. Farming also has implications for food security.
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The planned subsidy cuts come amid broader struggles for German agriculture, including declining farm numbers, especially small farms, and rising regulatory burdens.
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Compared to other EU states, German farmers' competitiveness varies, but they receive over €6 billion annually in EU subsidies, plus additional national and state funds.
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Experts say agriculture needs to adapt to climate change, but transformations require proper planning, funding and communication between policymakers and farmers.