BERLIN
Farmers gathered Saturday in the German capital to protest the government’s agricultural policies.
Thousands gathered in front of the Federal Parliament building to condemn the policies and demand the development of a sustainable farming policy.
Carrying banners and placards with messages such as “No tax on organic products”, “Democracy over corporate power”, “Enough is enough”, “Farms over agribusiness”, “We are open to the future, against genetic technology” and “Stop the war on nature,” protesters marched through the city center.
The farmers also carried a banner that read: “Choose a Courageous Agricultural Policy,” in reference to early elections scheduled for Feb. 23.
Antje Hollaender, a farmer and member of the Young Farmers Association, told Anadolu that the demonstration was organized to push for a transformation in agriculture.
“Agricultural policy has not been given much importance in recent years. Not much has been done for small farms,” she said.
Hollaender is opposed to the free trade agreement to be signed between the EU and the South American Common Market (MERCOSUR), emphasizing the protection of small farm rights.
She said large corporations are making high profits. “We are working at a subsistence level or forced to sell our products below production costs,” she said.
Hollaender demanded a ban on purchasing food below production costs.
“We want the market power of corporations and supermarkets to be limited and the rights of small farmers to be strengthened,” she added.
*Writing by Gizem Nisa Cebi in Istanbul