German farmers protest with tractors against austerity measures

Dec 20, 2023

BERLIN, - Hundred of German farmers and their tractors gathered in central Berlin on Monday to protest against the government's plans to cut diesel subsidies and tax breaks for agricultural vehicles next year as part of Berlin's 2024 austerity measures.

After a constitutional court ruling last month that cancelled 60 billion euros of earmarked debt, the federal government last week announced plans to save around 900 million euros ($983.34 million) annually in subsidies for farmers.

According to next year's budget, a partial tax refund on agricultural diesel, along with a tax exemption for agricultural vehicles, will be abolished to meet the saving targets - a measure farmers said would threaten their livelihood and the competitiveness of Germany's agricultural sector.

Farmers protested the planned cuts at the Brandenburg Gate, carrying placards reading "YOUR POLITICS ARE A DECLARATION OF WAR AGAINST FARMERS" and "TOO MUCH IS TOO MUCH! IT'S OVER NOW!" parking a number of tractors along Berlin's Strasse des 17. Juni boulevard in central Berlin.

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Video: Residue Management

Residue Management conservation practice manages the amount, orientation, and distribution of crop and other plant residue on the soil surface year-round while limiting soil-disturbing activities used to grow and harvest crops in systems where the field surface is tilled prior to planting. This video explores how Ryan McKenzie implemented this conservation practice on his farm in Samson, Alabama.

Practice benefits:

• Increases organic matter

• Improves air quality

• Decreases energy costs

• Reduces erosion

• Improves soil health

The Conservation at Work video series was created to increase producer awareness of common conservation practices and was filmed at various locations throughout the country. Because conservation plans are specific to the unique resource needs on each farm and also soil type, weather conditions, etc., these videos were designed to serve as a general guide to the benefits of soil and water conservation and landowners should contact their local USDA office for individual consultation.