Before the upcoming consultations of the CDU-SPD taskforce on high energy prices, the farmers’ association is demanding that the diesel tax be suspended. “The diesel energy tax must be temporarily suspended now” said association president Joachim Rukwied in the Friday edition of the “Rheinische Post”. “Urgency is needed so that food production can be maintained”.
Rukwied added that the steep rise in diesel prices-and also in fertilisers-are taking a severe toll on agriculture. “Especially during the spring ordering period this is painful” he said, adding, “the taxes have to come down”.
The taskforce meetings are set to include the farmers’ association and the Consumer Advisory Association (VZBV). In addition to the high fuel prices, the discussion will also address the increasing cost of food. One proposal on the table is to reduce the value‑added tax on basic groceries to 0 percent.