In various interviews before and after Christmas, the President of the German Farmers' Association, Joachim Rukwied, has criticized wealthy consumers who save excessively when buying groceries as a result of inflation.
It is understandable that "people are increasingly buying based on price," he told the newspapers of the Bayern media group: "But I have no sympathy for the fact that people who could afford it have also gone on an austerity course and bought the somewhat more expensive animal welfare and leave organic products behind.”
He made a similar statement before Christmas in an interview with the "Rheinische Post".
He now told the media group: "Anyone who constantly demands more animal welfare in the stables must also be prepared to spend money accordingly for this food," said the farmer president, adding: "It also has something to do with appreciation – food must always be us to be worth more."
The President of the German Farmers' Association said that falling food prices are currently not to be expected.
Rather, the prices would "remain at a high level".
As long as inflation and the resulting increase in farm equipment costs do not decrease, it is necessary to demand these prices "so that our farms can continue to operate at all".
Inflation in Germany was ten percent in November.
Food was even 21.0 percent more expensive in November than a year ago.
However, according to the farmers' union situation report earlier this month, the situation in the sector has improved.
Full-time farms increased their average result from around 54,000 to almost 80,000, which corresponds to an increase of 50 percent compared to the weak result of the previous year.
Dairy cattle and arable farms in particular made progress – unlike pig farmers.