The German Farmers’ Association has strongly condemned the Federal Ministry of Agriculture’s refusal to grant an exemption to the minimum wage for seasonal workers, labelling the decision as incomprehensible and driven by political considerations. Association President Joachim Rukwied voiced his concerns to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, stating the Ministry appeared to be prioritizing party and coalition politics over the viability of domestic agricultural production.
Rukwied described the Ministry’s stance as a “black day” for the production of fruit, vegetables and wine in Germany, warning that numerous specialized farms now face potential closure due to the inability to compete within the European market. He predicted a further shift in agricultural production overseas, leading to increased imports and a corresponding rise in the cost of domestically grown produce, potentially fueling inflation. He questioned the sincerity of commitments to support domestic agriculture, characterizing them as “a farce.
Earlier, Agrar Minister Alois Rainer, of the CSU party, had initially signaled support for the Farmers’ Association’s request for a lower minimum wage for seasonal workers. However, the Social Democratic Party (SPD) firmly opposed the proposal.
Following legal review, the Ministry deemed implementation of the exemption impossible, citing concerns about violating the principle of equality enshrined in the German constitution. Minister Rainer pointed to existing measures aimed at alleviating the burden on farmers, including reductions in bureaucracy, agricultural diesel subsidies and a lower electricity tax rate.
The current minimum wage in Germany stands at €12.82 per hour, scheduled to rise to €13.90 in 2026 and further to €14.60 in 2027.
