The CDU wants to position itself as the “party of agriculture”. Farmers must be given more trust again. The party is cautious about an “animal welfare tax”.
The CDU has presented a “strengthening package” for agriculture. “Our companies in the country need confidence, trust, the ability to plan and the political framework to unleash their potential,” says a 10-point paper decided by the CDU presidium.
The main thing is to give young farmers a perspective, said Deputy Secretary General Christina Stumpp in Berlin. “Rural areas must not be allowed to bleed dry.”
Debate about “animal welfare cents”
CDU politicians were cautious about the demand from Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir (Greens) to initiate financing for the conversion of animal husbandry with an “animal welfare cent” on animal products. Özdemir needs to specify what he means by an “animal welfare cent” and what the financing looks like, said CDU Bundestag member Gitta Connemann.
The CDU member of the Bundestag Steffen Bilger said that the CDU stands by the recommendations of the Borchert Commission – a commission of experts led by the former Agriculture Minister Jochen Borchert. According to the CDU’s decision paper, the costs for the animal welfare improvements desired by society cannot be recovered on the market under the current competitive conditions. Long-term investments, especially in livestock farming, must be secured. But the Borchert Commission also showed other ways than an “animal welfare tax,” said Bilger. CSU regional group leader Alexander Dobrindt spoke out against an “animal welfare tax” because it would lead to further increases in the price of food.
CDU wants to relieve farmers
Companies must be given trust again instead of distrust, said Connemann. She referred to extensive bureaucratic requirements. The legal standards in Germany are much higher than in other countries. There must be fewer requirements for companies from the EU too. The obligation to set aside agricultural land at EU and national level must be permanently abolished.
The CDU also wants an agricultural “marketing agency” that would promote products “Made in Germany” more strongly at home and abroad and support agricultural businesses in their marketing. In its decision paper, the CDU also once again opposes the plans of the traffic light coalition made up of the SPD, Greens and FDP to gradually eliminate diesel benefits for farmers.
Source: Stern
