Bureaucracy and wolves: Minister discusses farmers' pressing questions

Bureaucracy and wolves: Minister discusses farmers' pressing questions

An important discussion event took place in Poppenhausen, Fulda district, on May 30, 2025, at which Hesse's Agriculture Minister Ingmar Jung (CDU) discussed current challenges together with farmers. The group was invited by Tobias Farnung, the CDU mayoral candidate, who emphasized the appreciation for the work of farmers and with the support of Mayor Manfred Helfrich (CDU), who is no longer standing for election.

A central topic of the discussion was bureaucracy, which places a heavy burden on many farmers. Minister Jung emphasized the need to simplify the rules and reduce bureaucracy. He reported on over 200 proposals that were handed over to the federal government by the federal states, of which only six were implemented. This inefficient implementation has led to an urgent need for new measures under the new Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer (CSU).

Challenges for agriculture

The event also addressed the conservation status of the wolf, which is a serious problem for many farmers. Minister Jung called for coexistence between wolves and farms and said that proof of the wolf population is necessary in order to reduce the protection status accordingly. The discussion also touched on other challenges, such as the impact of beavers and the importance of water conservation for agricultural activities.

The discussion regarding bureaucratic hurdles also takes place in the context of Alois Rainer's government declaration, which was made in the German Bundestag on May 15, 2025. In his speech, Rainer explained that a strong voice for the agriculture and food industry in Germany and Europe is necessary to ensure modern, competitive and diverse agriculture. The focus was particularly on trust, planning security and reducing bureaucracy in order to offer farmers a better basis for their work.

Hope for improvements

Minister Rainer announced a funding program for animal welfare stables that is intended to improve animal husbandry. The reintroduction of the agricultural diesel refund was also promised as an immediate measure to relieve the burden on companies. The aim is to increase competitiveness within the value chain and at the same time achieve ecological goals.

The cooperation between politics and agriculture as well as the support of the young generation in the handover of the business were considered essential in order to create a strong foundation for future agriculture. The changes and reforms also require an adequate budget for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to close the gap between urban and rural areas and strengthen rural regions.

The event in Poppenhausen reflected the urgent concerns of farmers and was used as a platform to jointly look for solutions that can bring added value to people in agriculture. Loud BMEL The desired progress can only be achieved through discussions and compromises. The statement that the word “homeland” brings joy to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment concludes the event with a positive outlook for future developments.