display
Schwerin (dpa / mv) - Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania's Agriculture Minister Till Backhaus (SPD) has expressed understanding for the current protests by farmers, but at the same time emphasized their responsibility for an intact environment.
«Farmers don't make any money with their products.
We finally need adequate raw material prices, ”said Backhaus on Friday on the sidelines of a vigil in front of the state parliament in Schwerin.
The price war of the discounters is fought on the backs of the farmers.
Germany has the cheapest food prices in Europe.
“As consumers, we should think about this and give retailers clear signals with their changed purchasing behavior.
Many are already doing it, ”said Backhaus.
The minister urged farmers to do their part to protect water.
«The resistance to the new fertilizer ordinance is unfounded.
Nutrients and pesticides have no place in groundwater, ”emphasized Backhaus.
87 percent of the farmers adhered to the guidelines.
Instead of arguing about the regulation, everything should be done to ensure that the remaining 13 percent also meet their obligations and protect the environment.
Representatives of the farmers' associations handed over a petition to the state parliament.
In it, the MPs are called upon to give agriculture in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania "a future and support".
Above all, there is criticism of the Fertilizer State Ordinance, of the nationwide action program for insect protection with limited use of insecticides, and of the pricing in the food trade.