The German government’s agricultural policy is undergoing a significant re-evaluation, with calls growing for the integration of farms and food producers into Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) disaster preparedness exercises. Federal Minister of Agriculture Alois Rainer (CSU) has publicly articulated concerns over the vulnerability of the nation’s food supply chain, arguing that agricultural production constitutes a critical infrastructure deserving of robust protection.
Rainer’s rationale centers on a widening recognition that threats to national security extend beyond urban targets such as Berlin’s subway system, encompassing the essential functionality of agricultural production. He argues that disruptions to farming operations – stemming from attacks, natural disasters, or resource scarcity – could trigger a far more catastrophic crisis than localized incidents. “If the primary food production fails, if we have insufficient animal feed, if water for the animals is unavailable, that would be a larger problem. Our food supply would collapse” Rainer stated in a recent interview.
Beyond integrating agricultural operations into military exercises, Rainer is also advocating for a critical upgrade to Germany’s food emergency reserves. While existing stockpiles, currently numbering approximately 150 facilities, are deemed adequate to sustain the nation for 30 days, the current composition is under scrutiny. The reserves primarily contain raw commodities like grains, peas, lentils and condensed milk – materials requiring further processing before consumption. Rainer’s proposal prioritizes the inclusion of ready-to-eat canned foods, recognizing the necessity for readily deployable sustenance in the event of localized emergencies.
The minister cited the recent two-day power outage in Berlin as a stark illustration of the potential for regional crises and underscored the vital role of preparedness. “It’s negligent not to consider these possibilities given my responsibility for securing the food supply for our population” Rainer emphasized.
This shift represents a broader acknowledgement within the German government of the interconnectedness of national security and food security, potentially signaling a re-prioritization of agricultural resilience in the face of escalating geopolitical instability and climate-related challenges. Critics, however, may raise concerns regarding the cost and logistical complexities of integrating civilian farms into military training programs, demanding a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis before implementation.