Despite drought and heat, harvest better than suggested by the farmers' association

Germany's grain harvest this year has turned out better than suggested by the German Farmers' Association, despite prolonged drought and heatwaves, according to an official report released on Wednesday. The average yield for all cereals except corn reached 69.1 decitons per hectare, aligning with the average of the years 2020 through 2025, plus 0.4 percent. This data contradicts earlier warnings from the Farmers' Association, which had predicted an "below-average grain harvest" due to extreme weather conditions. Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer (CSU) acknowledged the positive numbers but declared a "crisis of national significance" in agriculture, citing rising energy and fertilizer prices linked to conflicts in Ukraine and Iran. He called for increased subsidies for farmers, including expanding a liquidity assistance program with low-interest loans worth 300 million euros, available without proof of financial distress. Additionally, farms would receive 60 million euros in compensation for higher costs related to fertilizers and diesel fuel. Rainer also plans to push for tax benefits and subsidies for insurance against extreme weather events. The Farmers' Association had included corn in its assessment, even though the Ministry noted that estimates for corn yields remain uncertain due to later harvesting periods. According to their calculations, total grain yields were three percent below the long-term average. They emphasized comparisons with the previous year, which they argued was less relevant due to typical weather fluctuations. Rainer warned that the harvest figures should not obscure the serious challenges faced by many farms. He stated that one-third of agricultural businesses face liquidity issues, although he deferred specific assessments to other authorities. His proposals aim to provide immediate relief while addressing longer-term concerns such as climate change impacts on farming. Critics have raised concerns over the proposed measures. Professor Sebastian Lakner from the University of Rostock criticized the subsidies for fertilizers and fuel as environmentally harmful, arguing that they promote fossil fuels instead of encouraging diversification in crop types to mitigate harvest failures. Alfons Balmann from the University of Halle-Wittenberg described the planned actions as wasteful use of public funds, noting that some farms might be poorly managed. Both experts highlighted the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity. Balmann pointed out there has been no real increase in yields since 2000, despite advances in breeding techniques. Lakner added that harvest results vary significantly by region, with poorer outcomes in southern Germany and lower-than-average yields for wheat and rapeseed nationwide. As the potential success of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in upcoming state elections underscores the growing influence of extremist forces, calls for unity and solidarity among citizens and local communities have intensified. Efforts to support grassroots initiatives and civil society engagement continue, emphasizing the importance of maintaining open societies through accessible journalism and active civic participation.