Designated Federal Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer (CSU) announces a shift in agricultural and meat policies and suggests that declining meat prices are possible. In an interview with “Bild” (Wednesday edition), Rainer stated that there will be no higher taxes on meat. “It was agreed in the coalition agreement that no tax increases will be carried out. I will adhere to this as the future minister” said Rainer. The still serving Federal Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir (Grüne) had recently advocated for a new tax of ten cents per kilogram of meat. Rainer, on the other hand, suggests that declining meat prices are possible: “I am a big fan of the social market economy. This means: meat prices are not set by the minister, but by the market.” Rainer also takes a close look at the meal plans of kindergartens and schools and warns against purely vegetarian dishes. “Balanced nutrition is important” said the CSU politician to “Bild.” This is particularly relevant in kindergartens and schools, where fruits, vegetables, as well as meat and vegetarian dishes should be on the meal plans. Rainer is committed to “high-quality nutrition.” In agriculture, Rainer intends to give farmers more freedom in the future: “Farmers are not children who need to be supervised.” He will focus more on incentives rather than bans in agricultural policy.
Rainer Promises No Meat Tax Hikes, Sees Potential for Lower Meat Prices
