Agriculture Minister Backhaus talks to young farmers about the future of agriculture

Agriculture Minister Backhaus talks to young farmers about the future of agriculture

In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the topic of agriculture remains explosive and of central importance. Agriculture Minister Till Backhaus (SPD) has now provided new impetus to promote dialogue with young farmers. At a meeting at Ackerbau Bentzin GmbH, a model company in the region, he announced regular exchange formats. These are intended to bring to light the concerns and experiences of young farmers. Backhaus sees the young generation as the key to the future of regional development. “We have to give young farmers the opportunity to raise their voice,” said the minister during the premiere of the event at the company of the same name near Jarmen am Peenetal.

Ackerbau Bentzin GmbH has successfully completed a generational change in recent years. Magnus Natzius has been a partner for three and a half years and has been the sole managing director of the company for six months, which has made a name for itself since GDR times - particularly through its innovative irrigation technology to increase potato yields. But the effects of climate change are also noticeable here. Unfavorable rainfall and water shortages pose major challenges not only to gasoline users, but also to many farmers in the region.

Overregulation and existential fears

Backhaus addressed the existential concerns of farmers in the discussions. These are reinforced by political decisions and market disruptions. What is not particularly encouraging is that minimum wages in some EU countries are only a third of German wages, which puts additional strain on competitiveness in agriculture. The stagnating market for meat and organic products is particularly alarming because customers are less willing to pay higher prices for high-quality products.

The minister is therefore calling for more investment in processing and less in pure cash crop production. It encourages farmers to make optimal use of the funding opportunities available, particularly in cattle and poultry farming. While Backhaus points out the high quality of agriculture in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, he also draws attention to the excessively long and expensive approval processes that hinder many projects.

Generational change as a challenge

In the course of the omnipresent generational change, the challenges for young farmers are becoming increasingly visible, as a recent study shows. Generational change and support for young farmers are now specific objectives of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for the period 2023-2027. Young farmers under the age of 40 only manage 12% of farms in the EU, with the proportion of young female farmers being just 3%. Access to land, high land prices and low profitability represent major hurdles that need to be overcome.

In addition, the CAP 2023-2027 shows various initiatives to support young farmers, including income support and funding opportunities for start-ups in rural areas. After all, EU countries must allocate at least 3% of their funds for direct payments to support these young entrepreneurs. For many, this is a ray of hope, because there is also emphasis on training courses and the development of rural areas in order to create appropriate conditions for the next generation.

A path to better collaboration

Backhaus plans to bridge the gap between administration and agriculture. One suggestion from the discussions includes internships for administrative employees in agricultural companies to promote mutual understanding. The fear of making mistakes often inhibits the decisions of employees in these offices. A rethink is needed here so that the innovative power of agriculture is not stifled by bureaucracy.

At a time when agriculture is facing numerous challenges, it is important that everyone pulls together. The future meetings with young farmers could be the first step in setting the course for better, sustainable agriculture in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. With this in mind: “Let’s see what happens!”