East German states demand EU agricultural reform

The minister presidents of the five eastern German states are calling for a fundamental reform of European agricultural policy. This is the result of a letter agreed upon by the heads of government of Thuringia, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Brandenburg as well as the head of government of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania on the sidelines of the Bundestag session in Berlin. This was announced by Thuringia's state chancellery in Erfurt.

The aim is more transparency and less bureaucracy in EU agricultural policy, which must sustainably strengthen rural areas and offer farms economic security regardless of their size. Previous rules should be put to the test. A special feature of the East German agricultural structure are farms that cultivate comparatively large areas of land.

No discrimination against large farms required

The eastern German states are particularly characterized by rural areas, explained Thuringia's Minister President Mario Voigt (CDU). He is currently also the Chairman of the Conference of Eastern German Minister Presidents. "These regions are not 'under the radar'! They secure our livelihoods and are also European innovation and industrial heavyweights."

Michael Kretschmer (CDU), Minister President of Saxony, said: "In EU agricultural policy after 2027, we need clear framework conditions for sustainable growth, good employment prospects and a high quality of life. Our farmers rightly expect planning security and fair support - without disadvantaging larger farms."

The letter states that direct payments to farmers will continue to be indispensable in the future. A one-sided distribution in favor of small farms would fall short - every sustainably farmed hectare must be given equal consideration.