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The CDU/CSU faction in the German parliament has expressed dissatisfaction with the Traffic Light Coalition's agricultural policies, particularly their recent proposals which have been criticised as insufficient. Jürgen Hardt, the Member of Parliament for Solingen, Remscheid, Wuppertal-Cronenberg, and -Ronsdorf, has voiced his concerns, stating that the policies do not adequately address the concerns of farmers in the market.
Hardt's criticisms stem from the Traffic Light Coalition's description of their proposals as a "relief package," a term he finds inappropriate and disappointing. The CDU/CSU faction, on the other hand, is committed to a comprehensive reduction in bureaucracy for farmers, including in animal husbandry and plant protection, and advocates for farmers to experience significant tax relief.
One of the key issues at hand is the abolition of the agricultural diesel refund, which burdens agricultural businesses with approximately half a billion euros annually. The CDU/CSU faction continues to push for farmers to be relieved of this tax burden. The temporary extension of income tax smoothing as compensation only returns a tenth of what farmers lose due to this abolition.
The Traffic Light Coalition's proposals have also been met with protests from farmers at the turn of the year. The Federal Minister of Agriculture in the Traffic Light coalition, Alois Rainer (CSU), who took office in May 2025, has been disappointed by these protests. Rainer is responsible for the Ministry of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Homeland.
Jürgen Hardt (CDU) has also criticised Federal Minister of Agriculture Özdemir for wanting to celebrate himself as the top advocate for farmers in the market. This criticism stems from Özdemir's self-celebration in the face of new regulations in fertilizer law, which include potential new requirements in animal husbandry and plant protection, and are being perceived by some as an increase in bureaucracy rather than a reduction.
The CDU/CSU faction is determined to fully implement the easements granted by the EU to farmers, a commitment that contrasts with Özdemir's perceived lack of consistency in reducing bureaucracy. The CDU/CSU's focus on reducing bureaucracy and providing tax relief for farmers is a key part of their agricultural policy platform.
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