Corona crisis shows the importance of regional structures

The current corona crisis demonstrates the importance of an independent food supply in Germany. Hard weeks are not only behind us, but also ahead of us. But the pandemic also offers the opportunity to anchor more appreciation for our food in the minds of politicians, consumers and, last but not least, retailers. Above all, local products stand for high quality standards, traceable production conditions, European production standards, short distances and thus also for more sustainable consumption. The New Deal demanded by the meat products industry for a higher appreciation of domestic food is an invitation to all those involved to secure and expand the structures of domestic production after the crisis.

Strengthening regional cycles offers an opportunity for more solidarity
“Right now, in the crisis, it is becoming clear how important safe and regional production of high-quality food is,” says Sarah Dhem, President of the Federal Association of the German Meat Industry (BVDF). "Our mostly medium-sized family businesses work tirelessly to produce sausage and meat products of the highest quality under sustainable and safe conditions and to fulfill their supply mandate."

Another opportunity that arises from strengthening regional cycles is greater solidarity between all companies in the food industry, from farmers to processors to retailers, and their employees.

High degree of self-sufficiency in meat and sausage products
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture (BMEL) in Berlin also confirmed that the supply of high-quality food in Germany is guaranteed. According to an overview by the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE), the degree of self-sufficiency was 116 percent for fresh milk products and even 119 percent for pork.

Shutdown leads to massive losses in medium-sized companies
Despite all the positive signals, the situation is serious in some companies. Therefore, the BVDF welcomes the aid programs of the federal government and individual countries for companies damaged by Corona. Because in many areas of the meat processing industry, depending on the specialization, an economically dangerous situation occurs. Sales channels with high operational added value are still not available or are only possible to a limited extent, e.g. B. the tourism sector or gastronomy. “Of course, some companies feel the shutdown immensely. The sudden loss of demand and the resulting goods that are no longer called up result in massive losses," explains Sarah Dhem, explaining the sometimes tense situation. Of course, the BVDF companies use all possibilities and measures to secure jobs. Nevertheless, a heavy burden rests on their shoulders: In difficult times of crisis, they are not only responsible for Germany's supply mandate, but also for their employees. “In order to be able to handle all of this at the same time, our companies need the support that they have been promised. So far, the federal government has done its job very well. However, we would like to remind the politicians of their promise to also support the food processing industry with the necessary measures - not only during the crisis, but above all afterwards," demands Sarah Dhem.

Source: BVDF