As of: January 30, 2024, 9:30 a.m
By: Volker Camehn
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Anger is blazing over the federal government's planned subsidy cuts.
That's why farmers' vigils are now blazing in many places in the district, like here in Arget.
© Volker Camehn
120 participants support the farmers' position at a bonfire in Arget.
The frustration runs deep.
Arget
– “Too much is too much” the farmers’ association invited people to a “reminder” between Arget and Grafing on Sunday evening, right in the field opposite the Huber car dealership.
The police officers on site estimate that around 120 farmers and onlookers came, and around 50 tractors were parked at the edge of the field.
There is beer and snacks available for a donation.
People stand together in small groups, children jump around the fire.
The proceeds should go to the rural relief service.
This association supports farming families in need.
The reduction in agricultural diesel subsidies was just the last straw,” says Maximilian Dießl_ © Volker Camehn
The last straw
“The threatened cut in agricultural diesel subsidies was just the straw that broke the camel’s back,” says Maximilian Dießl, chairman of the local farming association Arget.
Everything would become more expensive, including food, “but the money doesn’t reach us.”
People also feel like they are being bullied by politics: four percent set-asides have been ordered, excessive plant protection measures.
The 42-year-old is a part-time farmer.
Too much bureaucracy: “I spend half of my working time behind a desk,” says Peter Riedl.
© Volker Camehn
The frustration runs deep, it seems.
Someone painted “Stop the walking” on a sign and hung it on the front of their tractor.
There are a lot of things going wrong, the big picture, that is the widespread perception.
Half of the working time at the desk
Peter Riedl, 38, a farmer from Faistenhaar, is trying not to get frustrated, as he says.
He likes to be a farmer, he loves working in the fields.
And he would also like to pass his farm on to his children.
“But I now spend half of my working time behind a desk.” Too much bureaucracy, too little appreciation, “new regulations every year.”
And: “Others simply pass on price increases to their customers, that’s not possible for us.” And anyway: Many people would make a nice life for themselves with citizens’ money.
And why are so many apprenticeships unfilled?
And as far as agricultural diesel is concerned: “We also have to tax the 21 cents that we get back as income.” And in general: “The people aren’t here for fun, we’d rather be lying on the couch on Sunday evening. “It’s also about continuing to show the flag, says Dießl, talking to citizens, explaining your own situation, making yourself understood.
Lots of bureaucracy and rising costs
Dennis Puscher (24), a farmer from Otterfing, did not go to Arget this Sunday.
“I was there in Munich on January 8th.” For him that meant going to the stable at half past five, taking care of the cows, then a demonstration trip and being back home around 3 p.m.
“I think the air has gone out a bit,” says Puscher.
He also complains about too much bureaucracy and rising costs.
And: “Maybe people will only appreciate agriculture again when our supermarket shelves are empty.”