German Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer has expressed openness to the German Farmers’ Association’s demand to reduce the minimum wage for seasonal workers.
Rainer’s experts are currently examining whether there is a legally sound way to make exceptions to the minimum wage, he told the “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland”. While the federal government remains committed to the minimum wage, Rainer takes the concerns of fruit and vegetable farmers very seriously. “Without the crucial support of seasonal workers, many farms would not be able to bring in their harvest. Especially labor-intensive agricultural businesses face financial challenges due to the increase in the minimum wage” he emphasized.
The coalition agreement also includes the agreement to expand short-term employment to 90 days, allowing non-professional seasonal workers to be employed without social insurance contributions for a longer period. In addition, farmers will benefit from the reintroduction of agricultural diesel subsidies, providing further relief.