Given the poor forecast for the 2026 harvest, Joachim Rukwied, the president of the German Farmers’ Association, is demanding that the federal government implement an immediate relief program.
Rukwied outlined several requirements. First, he called for an increase in fertilizer subsidies. He stated that while the EU has made €60 million available to Germany, the association expects this amount to be raised significantly, potentially up to €180 million. The payment for these funds must be channeled through the professional association and disbursed no later than September.
Beyond subsidies, farmers need relief concerning fuel costs. Rukwied specifically demanded an immediate reduction in diesel taxation, requiring this reduction to remain in effect until at least the end of November.
Third, he emphasized the critical need for EU direct payments to be distributed in October. Normally, 80 percent of these funds are disbursed toward the end of December; however, Rukwied requires the earlier payment, while also insisting that the remaining 20 percent still arrive in December.
According to Rukwied, these early payments are necessary so that farm operations can successfully pre-finance the next harvest, adding, “We are already starting the groundwork, including soil preparation and autumn sowing.”
