German wine producers are issuing a stark warning about the future of the nation’s vineyards, appealing to consumers to prioritize domestic wines amidst a deepening crisis that threatens the very existence of established operations. Joachim Rukwied, president of the German Farmers’ Association (DBV), voiced grave concerns in an interview with the “Rheinische Post”, describing the current state of the German wine market as “the most severe crisis in decades.
Rukwied’s plea for increased consumer support isn’t merely a marketing tactic; it reflects the reality of shrinking vine acreage. The DBV anticipates substantial losses of vineyards unless a shift in purchasing habits occurs. He directly urged consumers to “drink more German wine” emphasizing that the quality is readily comparable to that of renowned producers in France, Spain and Italy.
The crisis extends beyond just viticulture, Rukwied added, with a wider malaise gripping numerous sectors of German agriculture. He characterized the overall market situation, not just for wine, as “unsatisfactory, in some areas even disastrous”. This assessment stems from a devastating convergence of rising input costs, particularly relating to fertilizers, pesticides and energy, coupled with a persistent decline in prices for agricultural produce.
The president’s statement represents a sharp escalation in the ongoing debate about agricultural policy within Germany. Rukwied explicitly called for a fundamental change in approach, pointing to an urgent need for governmental intervention. He particularly targeted the burdensome regulatory environment, employing a colorful analogy to illustrate the need for swift bureaucratic reform: “I’m not asking for a chainsaw, but we certainly need a lawnmower to get things moving on bureaucracy reduction”. While avoiding overtly aggressive rhetoric, the subtext is clear – the current pace of regulatory easing is inadequate to address the existential threats facing German farmers.
The crisis risks not only the livelihoods of farmers but also the rural fabric of Germany, prompting questions about the government’s commitment to safeguarding a vital sector of the national economy.
