A legal review commissioned by the Ministry of Agriculture has determined that exemptions from minimum wage laws for seasonal agricultural workers are legally untenable, prompting warnings of potential closures within Germany’s fruit, vegetable and wine industries.
According to the “Rheinische Post” the assessment, overseen by Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer (CSU), concludes that the prior exemptions are not permissible under current legislation. This determination has spurred concerns from the German Farmers’ Association, who are voicing anxieties over the viability of numerous specialized farms.
Farmers’ Association President Joachim Rukwied stated to the “Rheinische Post” that the decision marks a concerning day for domestic fruit, vegetable and wine production, potentially leading to numerous specialized farms facing closure. He characterized the ruling as undermining commitments to supporting local agriculture and raising questions about the competitiveness of German farmers within the European market.
Rukwied emphasized that under the current conditions, domestic production of fruits and vegetables is likely to shift further abroad, inevitably driving up prices for consumers and contributing to inflationary pressures. He warned of a significant impact on the cost and availability of locally produced fruits and vegetables.