Refreshed Article
Cooperative ventures in agriculture, as articulated by Minister Alois Rainer in the German Raiffeisentag of 2025, are proactive forces rather than obstacles. A fresh start marks this significant event.
With a thirst for cooperation between business and politics, over 1,600 agricultural and food sector cooperatives in Germany are prepared to usher in a new era of symbiotic relationships. This bold assertion was made during the German Raiffeisen Day 2025, attended by around 350 industry heavyweights.
"Our companies are eager to break free and take action," declared Franz-Josef Holzenkamp, President of the German Raiffeisen Association (DRV), highlighting the sense of rejuvenation in the air. He stressed the importance of prioritizing economic successes and real-world contributions within the new federal government's policy work. In order to stimulate investments, he called for swift decisions on bureaucratic and financial relief, as well as increased reliability.
In response to the DRV's offer for collaborative problem-solving, the new Federal Minister for Agriculture, Food, and Homeland, Alois Rainer, wholeheartedly accepted and deemed the DRV's member companies essential points of contact for his ministry. Rainer expressed his unwavering belief in the indispensable role of cooperatives within the food value chain, stating they are "doers, not blockers." He underscored the ministry's commitment to their ideas, innovations, and support.
Rainer pledged to create a conducive environment for companies and foster a culture of trust, emphasizing self-responsibility as a key element. He reiterated his dedication to German animal husbandry, advocating for value retention within the country rather than offshore production. Additionally, he vowed to push forward bureaucracy reduction through a dedicated task force in the ministry.
Regarding European agricultural policy in Brussels, Rainer reaffirmed his stance on the introduction of a zero-risk category in the EUDR and supported the DRV's wish to maintain member states' discretion with regard to the implementation of Articles 148 and 168 GMO. He also opposed the gold-plating of EU laws, stating, "There will be no more national tightening in this form."
Dirk Wiese, First Parliamentary Business Manager of the SPD parliamentary group, promised substantial progress on predictability and relief for the sector before the summer break, prioritizing innovation and energy cost reduction. Wiese emphasized their eagerness to take action, "We are willing to get to work," while stressing, "We need more confidence in our country." DRV President Holzenkamp welcomed this explicitly, underscoring the importance of trust and confidence for tackling pressing challenges head-on.
The DRV represents the interests of cooperatively oriented businesses in the German agriculture and food industry. With around 82.8 billion euros in turnover, 1,656 member companies, and approximately 114,000 employees, they occupy a vital position in the food value chain. Farmers, gardeners, and winemakers comprise the membership and respectively own the cooperatives.
Press Contact:Marcus GernsbeckDeutscher Raiffeisenverband e.V.Press SpokespersonPariser Platz 31, 1017 BerlinMobile: +49 172 [email protected]
Originally Published by: Deutscher Raiffeisenverband, through news aktuellSource: ots
Additional Insights
In the broader agriculture and politics landscape, Germany is pursuing a focus on sustainable practices and development partnerships. For instance, there is growing interest in agricultural cooperation with Vietnam, encompassing areas such as mechanization, vocational training, and market opening. Additionally, Germany is forging partnerships with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to tackle hunger and poverty in rural communities while emphasizing sustainable agriculture and youth employment. Furthermore, the German Agricultural Society (DLG) is instrumental in promoting agricultural innovation and modernization, often in the context of these international partnerships.
- The German Raiffeisen Association (DRV) and the new Federal Minister for Agriculture, Food, and Homeland, Alois Rainer, have agreed to collaborate on policy work that emphasizes economic successes and real-world contributions, with Rainer deeming DRV's member companies as essential points of contact for his ministry.
- Dirk Wiese, First Parliamentary Business Manager of the SPD parliamentary group, has pledged to create a conducive environment for businesses, fostering a culture of trust and prioritizing innovation and energy cost reduction, before the summer break. This move is aimed at stimulating investments and providing relief for the sector.
- In the context of European agricultural policy, Minister Rainer supports the introduction of a zero-risk category in the EUDR and extends his opposition to the gold-plating of EU laws, advocating for member states' discretion in the implementation of Articles 148 and 168 GMO.
