After the ferry incident
“The fuse has already burned”: Organic farmers’ association calls for moderation
Bavaria, Günzburg: A demonstration by the farmers’ association against the federal government’s austerity plans
© Stefan Puchner / DPA
After farmers blocked a ferry with the Federal Minister of Economics on board, the organic farmers’ association “Naturland” is calling for moderation: The escalation against Robert Habeck goes too far and does not serve the cause.
The president of the organic farmers’ association “Naturland” Hubert Heigl is calling for moderation in view of the blockade of a ferry in Schlüttsiel, Schleswig-Holstein, with Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck on board by a group of farmers. “The escalation towards Vice Chancellor Habeck clearly goes too far and does not serve the cause,” said Heigl star. “All those involved must moderate themselves and call for moderation, also with a view to the ‘Action Week’.” He sees the ongoing protests with some concern.
The days-long protests by farmers against planned subsidy cuts escalated on Thursday when a group of hundreds of angry people attacked the Green Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck prevented from leaving a ferry. The blockade was sharply criticized by numerous politicians. The protests were triggered by the traffic light government’s announcement that it would abolish tax breaks for agricultural diesel and tax exemptions for agricultural and forestry vehicles. Although the federal government gave in on Thursday and partially reversed the cuts, there were violent protests at the Hallig Hooge ferry pier that evening.
The farmers’ association has called for a “week of action” for the coming week, which is scheduled to end on January 15th with another large demonstration in Berlin.
“The pressure from farmers had to be relieved”
Eco Association President Heigl certainly understands the general dissatisfaction of farmers. The peasantry has been complaining about a lack of plans and prospects for years and feels that politicians do not take them seriously. “The fuse was already lit, even before the traffic light coalition,” said Heigl. “Now the austerity plans have really added some oxygen.” That’s why the protests won’t subside. “The pressure from farmers had to be relieved.” It is a “cry for help” against years of aimlessness and disorientation.
Heigl described the fact that the cuts plans have now been defused as a “step in the right direction”. Nevertheless, these are still a “clear financial slump”. In the short term, compensation is needed for the gradual abolition of agricultural diesel subsidies, demanded Heigl, otherwise we will be left behind in European competition. In the long term, an alternative to fossil diesel is needed, “which we simply don’t have right now.”
The “Naturland – Association for Organic Agriculture” was founded in 1982 in Gräfeling near Munich and, according to its own information, represents around 124,000 members worldwide and around 4,700 farmers in Germany. The association sees its task as promoting environmental protection through ecological land management.