A concrete timetable is urgently needed
At its 23rd annual conference, the German Animal Food Association warned. V. (DVT) provides calculable framework conditions from politics for a reliable German feed and food supply in order to be able to meet national and international challenges in the agricultural sector. In his speech to around 300 guests, DVT President Cord Schiplage addressed various topics such as the need for investment in converting animal husbandry, high energy costs and the increasing loss of importance of the German agricultural sector in international comparison. “Investments are being held back and animal numbers are declining inexorably, while at the same time there is a need for higher protein supplies worldwide. The German market is increasingly losing importance,” said Schiplage, referring to OECD estimates. Global trade is a key factor in combating hunger.
The DVT President criticized the inadequate proposals and political instruments. “I find it extremely regrettable that the government has agreed on a coalition agreement and is now trying to work through it, but is not flexible enough to respond to current changes.” Long-term perspectives require the support of the federal government in cooperation with science, professional associations and agricultural practices. “We must use the reliable and long-term findings of science to create sustainable solutions for the utilization and further processing of harvested products.” Schiplage cited the recycling of co-products, sustainable, deforestation-free supply chains and usage as examples of a wide range of solution approaches from science and business modern breeding methods.
Relief from electricity tax required
The high energy costs also continue to cause problems for the feed industry. Together with the German Raiffeisen Association, the DVT recently expressed its concerns in a joint letter to representatives of the federal government. In view of the electricity tax, which is significantly too high compared to Europe, a reduction is urgently needed in order to secure the quality of production and economic livelihoods.
Schiplage: “In our view, electricity costs should be reduced by reducing taxes and duties. The burden of the electricity tax must under no circumstances increase in the future.” In addition, it must be ensured that the peak compensation for the manufacturing industry does not expire, but also applies to the coming year, said Schiplage.
Schiplage's other challenges included various export bans abroad and the associated lack of sales markets, uncertain availability of goods and the unstable price situation. It is not possible to predict how the markets will react in the coming months.
Confirmation by BLE figures for the 2022/23 financial year
New figures from the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE) demonstrate the need for more in-depth solutions. The volume of compound feed produced fell by 2021 percent from 22 to 4,6 million tons compared to the 22,7/21,7 marketing year. As in the previous year, this corresponds to around one million tonnes. The biggest decline was in compound feed for pigs, falling by around 800.000 tonnes to 8,2 million tonnes (approx. 10 percent). The production volume in the commercial and fattening poultry sector also shrank: at around 6,2 million tonnes, a decline of almost 2,6 percent was recorded. The simultaneous import of cheap meat from other countries illustrates the confused and unresolved agricultural policy situation in Germany, said Schiplage.
After the number of feed manufacturers fell in previous years, it also fell by a further five companies to 2022 manufacturers in the 23/276 financial year.
About the DVT
The German Association for Animal Nutrition e. V. (DVT), as an independent trade association, represents the interests of companies that produce, store and trade feed, premixes and additives for livestock and pets.
