Drastic rise in food prices in Germany, what the German minister warns

According to the assessment of the German Minister of Agriculture, Cem Özdemir, the increase in food prices has not yet reached its highest point. Even higher prices are expected in the future. Demzdemir seeks additional relief for low-income families. Again, he mentioned the abolition of VAT on fruits and vegetables as a possible measure. “I think it would be a good thing, because food spending is a big part of spending for the poorest, and that would also be a contribution to better nutrition.”

The debate on the abolition of VAT has been going on for several weeks in Germany. This has been demanded by social associations, such as VdK and the Federal Consumer Center, which in addition to fruits and vegetables demand that the value added tax be removed for milk and vegetables. The German Minister of Agriculture has repeatedly expressed support for such a step. But in an interview with the German newspaper “Tagesspiegel” he expressed doubts whether this idea could be supported by partners in the German governing coalition.

Baerbock and Blinken

A factor in rising prices is the increased costs for German farmers, such as expensive fertilizer or higher energy prices. Such costs are partly passed on to the consumer. To act against this trend, the Bundestag has adopted the legal framework for supporting farmers in case of crisis. 180m euros are planned for this, which will be paid to farmers by the end of September at the latest.

Global food security

The war in Ukraine has also tightened security of world food supply and created famine in poor countries. At the international conference convened by the German government, “Together for global food security” in Berlin, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned of an acute crisis of food shortages. This is a situation “that is rising before us like a life-threatening wave,” Baerbock said. The Russian narrative that the cause of the crisis is Western sanctions is simply “fake news”. The government in Moscow bears sole responsibility for this, Baerbock said. After meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said the US and Germany want to do more together against the food crisis that threatens the world after the war in Ukraine. “Our message as the G7 is clear. “We will not allow the war of Russian aggression to plunge the world into famine.”

Cem Özdemir

The main problem remains the blockage of grain exports from Ukraine. German Agriculture Minister demzdemir warned that “long-term and viable alternatives” must be found to transport grain from Ukraine through the Black Sea. As long as Russia presents itself as an aggressor, “for so long Ukraine can not rely even in case of peace, on the transportation of its grain through the Black Sea. “Exporting grain is a” global task, “said demzdemiri, which also requires the commitment of the US, the EU and the economy./DW

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