The Bavarian Farmers' Association is thinking about what agriculture in the Free State will look like in 20 years.
In a position paper, the association put forward ten theses about the prospects for Bavaria's farmers.
Farmer President Walter Heidl explains in an interview how he envisions the future on the farm.
Mr. Heidl, why this future paper?
We farmers have many challenges ahead of us, from climate protection to added value for our products.
We want to discuss how we can master these challenges not only internally, but also with the parties and the population.
Everyone should and must do their part.
Your paper says there will be more than 100,000 farms in 2040.
Pretty optimistic right?
We are talking about 100,000 farms in the broader sense.
This does not only include companies that produce food.
There will also be other ways of adding value on the farms - from cooperative nature conservation to energy generation to shared flats for care.
Agricultural start-ups can also attract young people to the farms - and revitalize rural areas.
Your vision for the future also says: third countries are only supplied with Bavarian agricultural products if the local markets and farmers are not affected by them.
That didn't always sound like that in the farmers' association.
Don't get it wrong: We produce twice as much milk in Bavaria as we consume.
Our location with lots of grassland is well suited for this.
In my opinion, there is nothing to be said against exporting high-quality dairy products such as Bavarian cheese.
Nobody blames BMW or Audi when they sell their cars abroad.
It is crucial that the trade is fair.
For our farmers - and for the farmers in other countries.
This also means that one does not conclude unjust trade agreements like Mercosur on the back of domestic agriculture.
Another thesis: by 2040 there will no longer be a sharp distinction between organic and conventional farms.
Some organic farmers will disagree with this.
Chemical plant protection in conventional agriculture is becoming less, and work in the fields and meadows is even more environmentally friendly and resource-friendly.
This is made possible, for example, by modern hoeing devices or breeding.
There will also be organic associations in 2040 that will market special products and high standards - and that's okay too.
The decisive factor, however, is that agriculture as a whole continues to develop.
For example, by building up humus and contributing to climate protection or binding CO2 in the forest.
Your paper says a lot about what you expect from politics and society.
Where do farmers need to get better themselves?
The participation of farmers in environmental programs is high, but could be even greater.
And with the many opportunities on the farms apart from food production, we can advertise even more commitment among our members.
Some of the theses could also be included in a green election manifesto.
Could you live with a green federal ministry of agriculture?
When it comes to the matter, I've also had positive experiences with green politicians.
It is difficult when it becomes ideological.
But when it comes to the issues and, to some extent, the goals, we are often closer together than you might think.
After all, we farmers are the true greens because we work with and in nature.
How do you win the farmers over in the upcoming election campaign?
You have to take the farmers seriously in the way they see themselves.
We are well trained and work hard every day to ensure that we all have something to eat, that the animals are well and that our environment is preserved.
At the same time, we experience that consumers are not always ready to reward these services.
This is where politics must start instead of misusing agriculture as an enemy.
The ten theses of the Bavarian Farmers' Association can be read and discussed on the website.