Joachim Rukwied, president of the German Farmers’ Association, accused Russia of deliberately using the international wheat market to undermine Western agriculture. Speaking to the “Bild” newspaper, Rukwied stated that “Putin is using wheat as a strategic weapon against Germany, Europe, and the United States.”
According to the president, Russia has enjoyed three consecutive harvest years, and the country is employing an aggressive pricing policy by flooding the global market with vast quantities of wheat, which consequently drives down prices. Rukwied noted, “If the price on the world market is low, our farmers earn nothing.”
He added that the farming community is already under significant strain, citing that many farmers are facing financial difficulties. In addition to the pressure on prices, high operational costs for agricultural supplies are placing an extra burden on the industry.
Given these challenges, the association president called for political action. “The federal government is now challenged-food security is as important as defense capability,” Rukwied asserted.
