Günther Felßner, the President of the Bavarian Farmers' Association (BBV), has called for a significant shift in Germany's agricultural policy.
Felßner emphasized the urgent need to strengthen domestic agricultural production. He believes that it is possible to align domestic animal husbandry with societal demands for environmental, climate, and animal protection.
Felßner outlined four foundational pillars for future agricultural policy: food security, renewable energy supply, bioeconomy, and natural resource protection.
Felßner highlighted the need for policy adjustments, particularly regarding agricultural diesel taxation. He opposes the current "mixing" of agricultural and environmental policy at the European level and believes that enhancing competitiveness should take precedence.
Felßner expressed concerns about the agricultural section of the current draft of the free trade agreement between the EU and the Mercosur states. He emphasized the need for equal standards for imports and domestic products.
Bavaria's Agriculture Minister, Michaela Kaniber, supports Felßner's nomination as a potential Agriculture Minister in Berlin and shares his vision for agricultural policy reform. Kaniber also aligns with the new EU Commissioner for Agriculture, Christophe Hansen, particularly regarding reducing bureaucracy in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and supporting small-scale agriculture.
The emphasis on strengthening domestic production, enhancing competitiveness, and ensuring fair trade practices remains a priority in discussions around agricultural policy reform.