Students get involved: with farmer Wenzlaff for the ecological future!

Students get involved: with farmer Wenzlaff for the ecological future!

In Buddenhagen near Wolgast, three students recently met with a farmer for an exciting exchange about organic farming. The campaign was part of the “Farm with a Future” project, which was launched by the “We are fed up” alliance. The aim of this initiative is to promote dialogue between farmers and activists and to create awareness of farmers' concerns. According to that Northern Courier Last year, over 20 farms opened their doors to around 70 climate and environmental activists.

The students Max Müller, Lea Lehmann and Kai Morgenstern, who are studying social work in Potsdam, had the opportunity to learn more about the work of Eckhard Wenzlaff, who runs suckler cows and grassland management. Wenzlaff is actively involved in species protection and gives the approximately 60 cows, calves and 10 water buffaloes in his care the opportunity to keep their horns. “This is where we start to show the differences to factory farming,” explained Wenzlaff during the visit, which also included a walk in the forest and mowing clear of an electric fence. The students spent the night in a sauna car - a rather unconventional but cozy atmosphere.

A look behind the scenes of agriculture

In the current discussion about the agricultural transition, the exchange between different actors is of central importance. While the foundation and the project focus on the need for dialogue, there is also an area of ​​tension in agriculture. Bernhard Barkmann offers further insights, criticizing the fact that dissatisfaction among farmers is high despite solid yields. Loud Greenpeace It is primarily the increasing social demands and requirements that are causing problems for farmers.

Barkmann emphasizes that many farmers have the feeling that their achievements are not sufficiently recognized. In addition, the painful cut of one billion euros that the federal government has made is perceived as outrageous. He calls for practical interim solutions and a comprehensive master plan to meet the challenges of the industry. “The dissatisfaction remains, even if the dialogue opens,” says Barkmann.

The agricultural transition and its challenges

If you take a broader look at agriculture in Germany, it becomes clear that despite the many proposals for transformation, interest groups such as the German Farmers' Association (DBV) are hindering much progress. “From 2020 to 2023, around 7,800 businesses gave up, most of them smaller ones,” reports RiffReporter. Critics accuse the DBV of not acting in the interests of farmers, but of favoring exports and cheap goods.

However, there are also bright spots. More and more farmers are recognizing that changes are necessary and are relying on scientific expertise in the field of agroecology. The involvement of farmers in the change process is seen as crucial in order to find joint solutions for sustainable agriculture.

The discussion about sustainable, ecological agriculture is in full swing, and projects like “Farm with a Future” have an important role to play. Personal exchange between students and farmers could be the first step towards a better understanding and a shared future.