Future of agriculture: Minister Schulze demands clear measures!

On January 8, 2025, the agricultural minister of Saxony-Anhalt, Sven Schulze, gave an overview of the agricultural policy issues of the year in Berlin. The minister emphasized the need to combine economic stability with ecological responsibility in agriculture.

A central topic was the future of common agricultural policy (GAP), which is considered crucial for agriculture and rural areas. GAP's goals include climate protection, biodiversity and economy. For the period after 2027/2028, Schulze called for an income security for sustainable companies through direct payments and a remuneration for environmental, climate and animal welfare. He also appealed to a reduction in bureaucracy in order to simplify application procedures and reduce documentation obligations.

claims to EU policy

Schulze also expressed demands on EU policy, especially when dealing with the wolf. He spoke out for a lowering of protection status and pragmatic regulation in hunting law. Furthermore, he called for the abolition of the EU renovation regulation (EudR) to reduce bureaucracy and support small businesses. In connection with the EU Redes Production Ordinance, he pleaded for a practice-oriented implementation and early integration of relevant actors.

The minister also emphasized the challenges of a reduction in bureaucracy in agriculture. It is necessary to reduce the reporting requirements and implement practical reforms, while digitization is required without additional complexity. One of the priorities of agricultural policy at the federal level was the deletion of the §11a of the fertilizer law and the promotion of innovative technologies in crop protection.

Another important topic was the agrardiesel and the biofuels. Schulze found that German farmers were disadvantaged by competitive disadvantages and called for the reinstatement of the agricultural reward reimbursement and the promotion of climate -friendly technologies.

In terms of future issues of agricultural policy, he addressed digitization. The opportunities created by Precision Farming and Smart Farming are promising, although high investment costs and inadequate broadband supply are challenges. In addition, the generation change in agriculture must be promoted, since the average age of the operations manager is over 55 years.

The federal government has also developed a position paper on the future GAP, which is based on the principle of "public money for public services". As stated on the website of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL), the common good of agriculture in the areas of climate, environmental and nature conservation and animal welfare should be rewarded in the future. The aim is to make the gap more effective, sustainable, resilient and easier.

In addition, the organization of the agricultural markets should be designed in such a way that it promotes sustainable, economically sustainable and resistant agriculture. The promotion of young farmers as well as founders should also be intensified, as can be read in the position paper.

Minister Sven Schulze emphasized the need for innovations and the support of the next generation for sustainable agriculture to meet the challenges of the industry.