The Federal Minister of Agriculture, Alois Rainer (CSU), has pledged to accelerate efforts to reduce bureaucratic hurdles within his ministry.
Speaking to the “Rheinische Post” Rainer stated the goal is to ensure paperwork doesn’t become the most time-consuming aspect of agricultural practices. “Those who care for animals and cultivate fields need room to maneuver, not forms” he emphasized.
According to the ministry, agricultural operations have already been relieved of over €20 million in bureaucratic costs since May. A spokesperson indicated further initiatives are currently in the final stages of internal review.
This drive to streamline processes follows a call for action initiated in August by the Federal Minister for Digital Affairs and Modernization, Karsten Wildberger (CDU). Ministers were asked to submit proposals for bureaucratic reduction within their respective departments, with a deadline of September 15th.
The Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs and Modernization (BMDS) has expressed satisfaction with the proposals received. “The ministries have reported a series of relief projects they are currently working on” a BMDS spokesperson told the “Rheinische Post”. “We are currently evaluating these submissions and can already confirm that the federal government is aligned and initiating important relief measures”. However, specific details regarding the ongoing internal deliberations remain confidential.
Wolfgang Steiger, General Secretary of the CDU’s Economics Council, has voiced concerns regarding the lack of transparency. Steiger argues that the list of ministerial proposals should be publicly released, highlighting that this would offer insight into the level of commitment amongst different government branches. He urged for significant and impactful changes, stating that a comprehensive approach benefiting both the federal government and individual states is needed, rather than incremental or diluted efforts.
