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Cem Özdemir: "The big players are no longer allowed to dictate prices"
Photo: Marijan Murat / dpa
A few days ago, Federal Minister of Agriculture Cem Özdemir sparked discussions with his statements on "junk prices" for food - among other things, his statements caused displeasure among social organizations.
The Green politician is now examining whether the sale of food at a price below the production cost can be prohibited.
"The big players are no longer allowed to dictate prices and optimize margins," said Özdemir to the editorial network in Germany.
Fair conditions are needed for everyone in the food chain.
"Among other things, we want to strengthen anti-trust abuse control and merger control in the Federal Cartel Office, continue to take action against unfair trading practices and examine whether the sale of food below production costs can be prevented."
Meat »shouldn't become a luxury good«
Özdemir also resisted criticism that his latest plea against "junk prices" for meat, for example, was anti-social.
“Everyone should still be able to afford meat.
It shouldn't be a luxury item. "
But it is dishonest to try to play off certain groups against each other on the subject.
"For me, social justice also begins with the workers in the slaughterhouses, whose minimum wages we will finally raise," said Özdemir.
"And it's about our farmers who, like everyone else, have to be able to make a living from their work."
Özdemir had declared a few days ago that there should be no more junk prices for food.
They drove farms to ruin, prevented more animal welfare, promoted the extinction of species and polluted the climate.
Food should not become a luxury good, but its price should express "the ecological truth" more strongly.
The Federal Minister of Agriculture is also planning stricter requirements for finished products so that people can eat more healthily.
"Germany's diet is generally too unhealthy," said the Green politician.
Over 50 percent of adults are overweight.
"The reason for this is too much sugar, fat, and salt, especially in convenience foods," he said.
»Politicians have tried for too long to induce the industry to reduce these ingredients by making voluntary commitments.
Not anymore.
With me there will be binding reduction targets. "
svs / Reuters