Thousands Protest in Berlin for New Agricultural Policy

Several thousand people marched in Berlin on Saturday calling for a change in agricultural policy. Police reported around 2,800 participants at the “We’re fed up” mass demonstration, while organizers estimated about 8,000 people. The protest was held under the slogan “Take a stand – for a sustainable agriculture worldwide.” Demonstrators demanded fair producer prices, humane livestock farming and climate justice.

‍

Several thousand people marched in Berlin on Saturday calling for a change in agricultural policy. Police reported around 2,800 participants at the “We’re fed up” mass demonstration, while organizers estimated about 8,000 people. The protest was held under the slogan “Take a stand – for a sustainable agriculture worldwide.” Demonstrators demanded fair producer prices, humane livestock farming and climate justice.

‍

“We are taking a stand, whether as farmers working in the barn and in the fields, or as consumers who value healthy and sustainably produced food,” said Jan Greve, spokesperson for the alliance. He criticized the policies of the federal government, saying it was pursuing “an agricultural policy of yesterday and endangering our future.” He added: “We remind them of their responsibility.”

‍

The organizers also criticized the planned free-trade agreement between the EU and the South American Mercosur states, arguing that it would lead to “deforestation, exploitation and environmental destruction in the countries of the Global South.” EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had planned to sign the agreement on Saturday in Paraguay together with several South American leaders.

‍

The demonstration began at midday with a rally at the Brandenburg Gate, moved through Berlin’s government district, and returned to the gate for a closing event. The protest coincided with the Green Week agricultural and food fair, which runs in Berlin until the end of January.

‍

This was the 16th demonstration organized by the alliance in Berlin. The group says it includes about 60 organizations from agriculture and civil society. Last year, around 9,000 people followed the organizers’ call to protest.

‍