Berlin (dpa) – A coalition of German environmental, agricultural, and animal welfare organizations is raising alarms about potential regressions in agricultural policy at both the national and European levels. “Much of what has been painstakingly developed over the past fifteen to twenty years – for nature, animal welfare, clean water, and fair opportunities for farms – is now at risk of being undone,” stated Olaf Bandt, chairman of the German Federation for the Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND), a member of the AgrarBündnis. This is particularly concerning for farms that have heavily invested in ecological practices.
The alliance criticizes the upcoming EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for 2028, which will lack a guaranteed minimum budget for essential public goods like climate initiatives. “We need dependable and equitable regulations for nature, climate, animal, and environmental protection, as well as for the sustainability of family-run and competitive farms,” Bandt emphasized. He noted that the strength of European agriculture lies in its quality, regional focus, and commitment to animal welfare.
Motto of the Agricultural Report: “Change & Resistance”
Katrin Jürgens, managing director of the alliance, highlighted: “We have understood for years what is essential for sustainable, socially just, and future-oriented agriculture.” However, Jürgens pointed out that there is currently significant political opposition, “and in some cases, even a reversal of progress.”
The coalition has outlined 50 demands in the newly released “Critical Agricultural Report.” This year’s theme, “Change & Resistance,” emphasizes the need for a decisive political direction, according to Jürgens. The AgrarBündnis comprises 25 organizations from agriculture, environmental, wildlife, and animal welfare, as well as consumer and development policy sectors. The “Critical Agricultural Report” has been published annually since 1993. (15 January)
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