Kretschmer in favor of reducing bureaucracy in agriculture

Saxony's Minister President Michael Kretschmer wants to relieve farmers of unnecessary bureaucracy. European standards must be adhered to, but the additional German regulations must be abolished, said the CDU politician at the start of the 2nd Saxon Farmers' Day in Döbeln on Friday. This was the only way that local agriculture could remain competitive in comparison to other European countries and secure prosperity. In agricultural policy, ecology, economy and social issues must be brought together, emphasized Kretschmer.

The Minister President is also in favour of an agricultural relief package. Federal Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir (Greens) had announced this before the Bundesrat meeting on March 22. The Saxon State Farmers' Association intends to submit an eleven-page points paper with concrete proposals to the federal government.

The knowledge of sensible structural changes in the agricultural sector lies with the farmers, emphasized State Farmers' President, Torsten Krawczyk. "It's about equal opportunities and we have to stand firm."

The farmers' protests since the end of last year have shown the strength of the farmers, emphasized Krawczyk. For more than a week, Saxony's farmers blocked highway entrances and important roads in many places with their tractors. Thousands of farmers had also marched to Berlin with their vehicles in a large demonstration.