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

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

Anklam, Deutschland - In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the topic of agriculture remains explosive and of central importance. Agricultural Minister Till Backhaus (SPD) has now set new impulses to promote dialogue with young farmers. At a meeting in Ackerbau Bentzin GmbH, a flagship company in the region, he announced regular exchange formats. These are intended to bring the concerns and experiences of young farmers to light. Backhaus sees the young generation as the key to the future of regional development. "We have to give the 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 carried out a successful generation 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 half a year, which has made a name for itself since GDR times-especially through its innovative irrigation technology to increase potato yields. But here too you notice the effects of climate change. Unfavorable rainfall and water shortages not only pose major challenges for the Bentziner, but many farmers in the region.

over -regulation and existence fears

Backhaus addressed the existential worries of farmers in the conversations. These are reinforced by political decisions and market impairments. It is not very gratifying that minimum wages in some EU countries are only a third of German wages, which also contains 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 therefore calls for more investments in refinement and less into pure market fruit production. He encourages farmers to optimally use the available funding opportunities, especially in cattle and poultry farming. While Backhaus indicates the high quality of agriculture in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, it also draws attention to the long and costly approval procedures that hinder many projects.

generation change as a challenge

In the course of the ubiquitous generation change, the challenges for young farmers are also increasingly visible, as a recent investigation shows. The generation change and the support of young farmers are now specific goals of the common agricultural policy (GAP) for the period 2023-2027. Young farmers, who are under 40 years old, only manage 12 % of the companies in the EU, although the proportion of young farmers is just 3 %. Access to land, the high property prices and the low profitability represent great hurdles that need to be overcome.

In addition, the GAP 2023–2027 shows various initiatives to support young farmers, including income support and funding opportunities for start -ups in rural areas. After all, the EU countries have to provide at least 3 % of their funds for direct payments to promote these young entrepreneurs. For many, this is a ray of hope, because it is also set on training offers and the development of rural areas to create corresponding conditions for the next generation.

a way to better cooperation

Backhaus plans to bridge the gap between administration and agriculture. A proposal from the discussions includes internships for administrative employees in agricultural companies in order to promote mutual understanding. The fear of making mistakes often inhibits the decisions of employees in these offices. A rethink is necessary here in order not to suffocate the innovative strength of agriculture through bureaucracy.

at a time when agriculture faces numerous challenges, it is important that everyone pulls together. The future meetings with young farmers could be the first step to set the course for better, sustainable agriculture in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. In this sense: "Let's see what will come from!"