German wolf protection funding cut draws farmer and Green Party opposition

In December, Germany's agriculture ministry reduced the subsidy for wolf‑repellent fencing, capping support at €13 per linear metre for fixed fences and €3.25 for electric fences. The previous policy provided full (100 %) cost coverage, which many Bavarian livestock owners say helped protect their herds as wolf sightings and attacks rise.

Farmers' associations, represented by the BBV, argue the cut sends the wrong signal and demand a restoration of full funding for herd‑protection measures. Simultaneously, the Green Party in the Bundestag rejected a proposal to include wolves in the federal hunting law and called for a systematic expansion of herd‑protection, warning that indiscriminate wolf shooting can disrupt pack structures, increase livestock losses, and breach EU wildlife regulations.