Sascha Meyer: Endurance test for agricultural peace;
Economy August 27th
When shopping, I - like many others - care about the origin of my food. I attach great importance to the regional origin of my food, whether at the butcher's or in the grocery store. It struck me that food retailers only place a very limited value on the origin. Why is that? In our shopping behavior? I hope that the next generations will still be able to buy local food, the production of which we have a say in the local legal framework and which we can rely on. It is our responsibility how the offer is composed. Last week Edeka advertised Chilean pork, this week Rewe announced that it will be using 95% pork from German production in the future. If society wantsthat meat and other foods from local production will still be available to buy in the future, then we have to prove it at the shop counter. Bavarian farmers need social solidarity, especially when it comes to purchasing decisions.
Christine Singer
District farmer;
Hofheim
The grocery retailer has to take responsibility. Many Bavarian pig farmers are on the verge of existence. One of the reasons for this is that Spain, with the largest pork production in Europe, is trying to gain a foothold in Germany with its meat offer and that the previously marketed parts such as paws, ears and tails are no longer being bought by China. I'm stunned when Edeka boldly advertises Chilean pork in its weekly offer. The food retail trade should not be indifferent to which country in the world the meat comes from that is sold here. I expect food retailers to show a sense of responsibility towards our region. It should be part of the grocery retailer's code of ethics to only sell locally sourced meat.The trade has a great responsibility towards its customers and farmers. I urge retailers to take on this responsibility too!
Ralf Huber
District President Bavarian
Farmers' Association (BBV),
Upper Bavaria
