The 2023/24 farmers’ protests in Germany were a source of great public discourse as tens of thousands of farmers took to the streets to protest proposed tax cuts that were published by the German government in December of 2023. This blog post discusses the protests in the context of decades of structural changes within the farming sector, looking at laws and regulations by national and EU legislation and finally analyzing the validity of accusations of a right-wing infiltration of the protests.
Relevance and personal connection to the topic.
I grew up in a small village in the south of Germany. Coming from a long line of farmers, I automatically helped out on my grandparents’ and uncles’ farm as a child. Growing up I was around my uncle regularly, discussing many political topics over the years, the current farmers protestes being no exemption. And while we disagree on a lot of points, I find his persepctive very interesting and valuable. Because the farmers protests have not only led to discussions around my families dinner table and are, in my opinion just a symptom of deeper underlying issues, I have decided to investigate the topic further.
I therefore interviewed both my uncle, Jörg Kautt, a farmer who was involved in organizing local farmers protests and my grandfather, Willy Kautt, who gave me a lot of insights into the changes the agricultural world has gone through over the last 70 years or so. I also spoke to Ewald Frie, a professor on modern history in Tübingen who grew up on a farm himself and has written a book on the changes in the agricultural world he has experienced. Tobias Schied is a young farmer on a biological dairy farm in the south of Germany. He is also a climate activist within the organization Fridays for Future.
With this project I am trying to understand both the farmers perspective on an ever changing occupation and a seemingly higher focus on sustainibility laws by both the general public and the German governmet, which they find too harsh. Also the perspective of climate activists who are recognizing farming as an area with a lot of CO2 emissions and a danger to biodiversity, as well as the role and thoughts of the broad public on the topic.
Historical background
Firstly, to understand the challenges that led to the protests, looking at the historical developments of farming in Germany is crucial: Agricultural work in Germany has transformed radically, particularly since the late 1950s. As mechanization advanced, fewer and fewer people were needed to work the land, and farming shifted from small family operations to larger industrialized ventures.
In 1800 62%[1] of the population worked in agriculture. Today, that number has shrunk to about 2%.[2] Technological advancements in the mid-20th century accelerated this shift. Jörg Kautt reflected on this during our Interview:
“Due to the arrival of technology, workers have been freed up for the industry. […] Technology is here, and technical development is progressing continuously. You no longer have to work as physically hard as before.” [3]
While these advancements made farming less physically demanding, they also favored larger operations. Smaller farmers, struggling to afford the latest equipment, found it increasingly difficult to stay in business.
A look at laws and regulations shows that the introduction of the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in the 1960s also played a pivotal role in reshaping German farming.[4]
Initially, CAP ensured price stability and supported production surpluses. Jörg Kautt discussed these changes: “a massive increase in production was achieved. And then that led to Milchsee und Butterberg”[5] referring to the surpluses in milk and butter production in the 1980s. The market was then regulated through, on the one hand, purchasing products to ensure a stable and reliable price, and on the other hand, export subsidies to deal with the overproduction.
The regulations implemented by CAP in recent years have been ever more concerned with sustainability in farming, as we have seen increasing demands for sustainable farming practices, driven by environmental movements like Fridays for Future. The group’s demands include reducing CO2 emissions in farming, cutting pesticide use, and promoting more ecological farming methods.[6]
Many farmers view these demands as unrealistic. Jörg Kautt questioned the practicality of going fully organic: “We’re producing everything organic now. And […] now the question is, can I still feed the population or not?”[7]
He also talked about genetically modified crops, arguing that new technologies like CRISPR-Cas[8] should not be dismissed outright: “You have to take the good of both sides and connect that with each other. For Example CRISPR- Cas.” [9]
While this claim will be examined further at a later point in this text, it can be said in conclusion that there is a general, underlying but growing frustration with laws, regulations and overly bureaucratic procedures within the farming community, for instance having strict rules about when fertilizer can be distributed, not really taking into account how different temperatures can change the ideal time to do so.
The farmers Protests 2023/24
The farmers’ protests that erupted in December 2023 were triggered by the German government’s budget proposal for 2024, which outlined a cut of a tax reduction on agricultural diesel (440 mil) as well the cut of an exemption from vehicle tax for agricultural and forestry vehicles (485 mil).[10]
“Taking away a billion from one percent of the population? That’s absolutely unfair”[11] said Jörg Kautt. Farmers argued that the diesel tax, designed to fund road maintenance, should not apply to them as they mainly used rural paths, not highways. They also feared that these cuts would make German farmers less competitive within the European Union, where other countries were profiting from these reductions.
The protests quickly escalated. On January 5th, 2024, farmers blocked German Minister for Economic Affairs, Robert Habeck, from leaving a ferry. Tractor demonstrations took place across the country. The farmers demanded that the government withdraw its proposals. The public response to the protests was varied. On the one hand, the protests garnered sympathy from many Germans, with 73%[12] of the public expressing full or some understanding of the farmers’ wants. On the other hand, it was discussed whether the farmers really were struggling as much as they made out to be, as German sociologist Rolf Heinze told the ZDF:
“At the protests, you mainly see many farmers from large operations with their huge tractors. Especially in large farms that practice conventional crop farming or in dairy farms, profits have risen sharply. They are definitely not facing bankruptcy, as they claim. This is being heavily exaggerated!”[13]
Also, as Tobias Schied stated: :”Agricultural diesel is […]a climate-damaging subsidy. […] So it’s okay that it’s being phased out.”[14]
Nevertheless, in response to the protests, the government offered some concessions. The vehicle tax exemption was maintained, and the diesel tax reduction was to be phased out gradually. However, the protests continued into January, highlighting broader dissatisfaction with agricultural policy and growing concerns about the future of farming in Germany. The protests also exposed further political frustrations. While initially focused on agricultural issues, the demonstrations became a space for expressing dissatisfaction with the government in general. Farmers and their supporters criticized the ruling Ampel coalition government (SPD, Greens, FDP). I was able to ask German Finance Minister Christian Lindner of the FDP about his thoughts on the protests during a discussion at the University of Potsdam.
He acknowledged farmers’ frustrations while also shifting blame to environmental demands:
“With regard to agriculture, we have had a situation of overload for many years […] if you don’t bring people along in the process, there comes a point where they completely turn against ecological responsibility.”[15]
Lindner’s attempts to redirect anger towards other issues, including immigration and welfare policies, were criticized by both farmers and the media. The left-wing German newspaper taz criticized his rhetoric, stating, “Because Lindner does not have anything to offer to the famers he tries to connect to them through right rethoric”.[16]
Instrumentalization of the protests by right-wing populism?
The accusation of right-wing influences on the protests, especially by the German party AfD, was criticized by Jörg Kautt and many others, as a narrative that was too easy “Everything that’s unpleasant is labeled as right-wing extremist.” He further explained: “You can never prevent someone from joining in at a demonstration today, and you can’t place a watcher next to everyone.”[17] but clarified that anyone with clear right-wing signs was banned from the protests immediately.
Fact is that parts of the protesting farmers were using right-wing rhetoric as well as signs and it should be remarked here that right-wing populist groups, including the AfD, sought to capitalize on the protests for political gain. [18]
Is Farming in Germany Still Viable?
At the heart of the protests lies a crucial question: Is farming in Germany still economically viable? Large-scale agricultural businesses seem to adapt better to the current pressures, but smaller farms are struggling to survive. Region and the kind of farming (dairy, meat, …) also influence the economic stability of farmers massively.[19] This is also why it is very difficult to find solutions that work for all farms. Jörg Kautt summarized the core problem of the situation: “You need a minimal size. And that minimal size will have to increase in the future”[20]
Challenges of an international market are also a growing burden that should be regulated better “You can buy your meat in Argentina. The circumstances under which this is produced? That is the question. We don’t see that” [21] Willy Kautt said, highlighting the challenges posed by international competition.
While this is and will be a complicated endeavor, there are sufficient arguments for maintaining local agriculture.
The Future of Farming: A Need for Dialogue and Compromise
The 2023/24 protests reflect the frustration within Germany’s farming sector. While the demands of the protesters were met, long-term, structural issues facing the agricultural sector remain a challenge yet to be resolved. A sustainable future for German agriculture will require more than just economic support—it will need both a better handling of German food import/ export laws and societal demands for more environmentally friendly farming practices, as well as people being open to pay more for their locally produced organic foods.
Finding a balance between economic viability and environmental sustainability is no easy task. However, if Germany is to secure the future of its farming sector, a continued dialogue between farmers, policymakers, and environmental groups is essential.
This dialogue is already happening, as Tobias Schied told me: “These are, in many aspects, simply very productive things where everything worked well, and a compromise could be found.”
The farmers’ protests have subsided for now, but the underlying tensions has not disappeared. Addressing this will require a commitment to finding sustainable solutions that protect both the livelihoods of farmers and the environment—a challenge that Germany and the rest of Europe will face for years to come.
[1][1] Putzger. 2006. Historischer Weltatlas. Cornelsen Verlag, 37.
[2] Mahlerwein, Gunter. 2016. Grundzüge der Agrargeschichte. Band 3: Die Moderne (1880-2010). Böhlau Verlag Köln Weimar Wien, 11.
[3] Interview with Jörg Kautt 2024; all direct quotes in this paper are originally in German and were translated by the author of this paper.
[4] Europäische Kommission. N.d. “Die Gemeinsame Agrarpoloitik auf einen Blick.” Zuletzt besucht 30.09.2024.
https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/common-agricultural-policy/cap-overview/cap-glance_de
[5] J. Kautt 2024.
[6] Fridays for Future. N.d. “Forderungen im Bereich Landwirtschaft”, zuletzt besucht 30.09.2024. https://fridaysforfuture.de/forderungen/landwirtschaft/
[7] J. Kautt 2024.
[8] CRISPER CAS is Genome editing which “is a type of enetic engineering in which DNA is deliberately inserted, removed, or modified in living cells” Asmamaw, Misganaw and Zawdie, Belay. 2021. “Mechanism and Applications of CRISPR/Cas-9-Mediated Genome Editing” in Biologics: Targets and Therapy Volume 2021:15, Pages 353—361
doi: 10.2147/BTT.S326422
[9] J. Kautt 2024.
[10] Presse- und Informationsamt der Bundesregierung. 19. Dezember 2023. “Zum Haushalt 2024” Pressemitteilung 280, zuletzt besucht 30.09.2024.
https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/aktuelles/zum-haushalt-2024-2250336#
[11] J. Kautt, 2024.
[12] YouGov. 10. Januar 2024. “Nach allem, was Sie zu den Hintergründen der aktuellen Bauernproteste in Deutschland gelesen oder gehört haben – haben Sie Verständnis für die Proteste oder nicht?” Zuletzt besucht 30.09.2024.
https://yougov.de/topics/society/survey-results/daily/2024/01/10/10794/1
[13] Klein, Oliver und Waldow, Michaela. 08.01.2024. “Wie schlecht geht es den Bauern wirklich?” in ZDF zuletzt besucht 28.09.2024.
https://www.zdf.de/nachrichten/wirtschaft/unternehmen/bauern-proteste-wirtschaftliche-lage-100.html
[14] Interview mit Tobias Schied, 2024.
[15] “Austausch mit Christian Lindner – studentischer Dialog mit dem Bundesminister der Finanzen” am 16.09.2024 im Audimax der Universität Potsdam, festgehalten von der Autorin dieser Hausarbeit.
[16] Gueler, Cem-Odos. 16.01.2024. “Gelber Schleim Düngt keinen Acker” in taz, zuletzt besucht 30.09.2024.
https://taz.de/Rede-von-Lindner-bei-Bauernprotesten/!5983093/
[17] J.Kautt 2024.
[18] In the Grundsatzprogram of the AfD it reads: “Die EU-Subventionen nach dem Gießkannenprinzip sowie bürokratische Überreglementierungen sind Schritt für Schritt zurückzufahren.” (“EU subsidies according to the watering-can principle, as well as bureaucratic over-regulation, must be gradually reduced.”) (AfD 2016)
[19] Kolden, Cornelia. 17.02.2024. “Woher kommt die Wut auf Brüssel?” In Tagesschau Europamagazin, zuletzt besucht 30.09.2024.
https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/europa/bauernproteste-eu-agrarpolitik-100.html
[20] J. Kautt 2024.
[21] Interview with Willy Kautt 2024.
I really enjoyed this post as I think it offered some helpful background on, what feels like, a very current issue. I think that the debate around farming is often presented as an irreconcilable binary and I appreciated that you took the time to deconstruct that, both by examining the two sides and by rejecting criticism that is not nuanced enough in favour of a critical approach that is (like your rejection of the “this is just right-wing extremism” claim). This post was especially resonant because I worked on a cattle farm for a few years that transitioned from being organic to being not organic, not because we necessarily didn’t want to use sustainable farming practices, but precisely because acquiring the “organic” label required sticking to a lot of “laws, regulations, and overly bureaucratic procedures” that prevented us from responding to things on the ground in a way that would have benefited the crops and animals.