Germany declares national crisis in agriculture amid drought and security concerns

The German government has classified the situation in the agriculture and forestry sectors as a “crisis of national importance.” This designation follows prolonged drought, crop failures, and rising production costs that have pushed many farms to their economic limits.

To address these challenges, agricultural associations are calling for immediate relief measures. Key demands include increasing the fertilizer aid package to 180 million euros, accelerating direct payments, and providing energy cost relief through fuel discounts and the suspension of CO2 pricing on fuels.

In a parallel effort to strengthen food security, the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMLEH) has commissioned a representative survey to examine the resilience of livestock farms, specifically focusing on poultry, cattle, and pig farming. This initiative aims to help the industry develop emergency plans to withstand potential threats such as cyberattacks, sabotage, blackouts, or logistical disruptions caused by military tensions.