Deutscher Bauerntag 2026 | Grundsatzrede

At the opening of the 2026 German Farmers' Day in Freiburg im Breisgau, themed "Strengthening Agriculture – Securing Food Supplies," the President of the German Farmers' Association (DBV), Joachim Rukwied, called on the Federal Government in his keynote address to implement the announced policy shift now in a "visible and tangible" way. The focus must be on restoring the competitiveness of German agriculture. "Our farmers need tangible relief in the short term – this must include tax breaks and a genuine reduction in bureaucracy," Rukwied emphasized. "The current flood of regulations and documentation requirements is stifling investment and weakening our innovative capacity." At the same time, the president of the German Farmers' Association emphasized the high resilience of German agriculture, but issued a stark warning about risks to food security: "We can confidently say: It is the dedication and entrepreneurial spirit of our farmers that carry us through crises and keep food security stable. We don't expect applause for this – but we do expect politicians to finally draw the right conclusions. Food security and self-sufficiency can no longer be taken for granted." According to Rukwied, a key issue for the future remains the further development of livestock farming in Germany. "If we want to preserve pig farming in Germany, then we need at least 200 million euros immediately for sow farmers to offer these farms a future. We have lost 50 percent of our pig farms in a decade. This trend must finally be stopped, and that requires fresh funding." Food security is as important as defense capability, Rukwied emphasized. He emphasizes the importance of the upcoming decisions at the European level: “The Multiannual Financial Framework needs reliable and robust funding. We need €500 billion for the Common Agricultural Policy. Only with an independent and adequately funded CAP can we meet the challenges. We reject capping and degressive funding. Rural development must remain a central component of European policy.” Rukwied makes it clear that agriculture is ready to actively participate in shaping change. However, this requires that political decisions be more closely aligned with practical needs: “Only together can we develop and implement sustainable solutions.” In conclusion, the farmers' association president clearly affirms the fundamental values ​​of the profession: “We stand for democracy, for a strong, united Europe, and for openness and dialogue. We categorically reject simplistic slogans and divisive tendencies. Our path is one of objective, solution-oriented discussion.” Looking ahead to the coming years, Rukwied emphasizes: “Together with politics and society, we can and want to show: German agriculture is ready for a sustainable and innovative future – if it is allowed to and this path is pursued in partnership with it.”