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Coalition of 20 Associations Presents 12-Point Plan for Sustainable German Agriculture

A broad coalition of German associations presents a comprehensive plan for sustainable agriculture. The plan calls for significant changes to farming practices and policies.

In this image I can see grass and plants. This image is taken during a day may be in a farm.
In this image I can see grass and plants. This image is taken during a day may be in a farm.

Coalition of 20 Associations Presents 12-Point Plan for Sustainable German Agriculture

On October 7, 2025, a coalition of around 20 associations, led by the Bund Ökologische Lebensmittelwirtschaft (BÖLW), presented a 12-point plan for a sustainable course change in German agriculture. The plan, aimed at tackling biodiversity loss, climate crisis, and livestock farming challenges, was presented to the German federal government.

The associations demand a reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), shifting from area-based direct payments to income-related compensation for environmental services. They also call for a reduction in pesticide use, including a pesticide reduction program, pesticide tax, and nationwide monitoring.

To strengthen organic farming, the associations want better utilization of its environmental services and increased research funding. They also want fair prices for quality products, including effective rules for fair and cost-covering producer prices.

To address environmental concerns, the associations demand the restoration of agroecosystems and pollinator populations through the swift implementation of the EU Nature Restoration Regulation. They also call for improved water retention, including accelerating the rewetting of agricultural peatlands and expanding funding for paludiculture.

Regarding new genetic engineering (NGT), the associations demand regulations to ensure the observance of the precautionary principle and freedom of choice for consumers. They also call for advancing climate change mitigation in agriculture, including reducing animal husbandry and promoting climate-friendly diets.

The associations demand a reform of the CAP, reduced pesticide use, fair prices for organic products, restoration of agroecosystems, regulations for NGT, and climate change mitigation practices in agriculture. They also call for mandatory animal husbandry labeling by spring 2026 to ensure improved animal welfare. The German federal government has been urged to orient itself according to these proposals.

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