– Meeting of Slow Food and Ministry of Agriculture for sustainable agricultural policy on August 29, 2025.
– Demand: Fair prices for farmers, transparent supply chains and protection of biodiversity.
– Use against food waste and for fair global trade.
Fair prices for farmers – conversation between Slow Food Germany and Minister of Agriculture Alois Rainer
On August 29, 2025, Federal Minister of Agriculture Alois Rainer, Dr. Rupert Ebner, Chairman of Slow Food Germany, representatives of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Home (BMLEH) as well as the food councils in Berlin. The focus was on discussions about Fair prices for farmersThe need for transparent supply chains, the promotion of a fair global trade, the commitment to waste waste as well as the importance of out-of-home catering and the protection of biodiversity.
Despite falling inflation, food prices remain high – but The farmers do not benefit from thisbut the retail. Dr. Rupert Ebner drawn attention to the difficult situation of many small and medium -sized companies: “Many small and medium -sized agricultural companies stand on the edge of existence, give up or are adopted by corporations that neither work ecologically nor in the sense of animal welfare.” In order to ensure nutritional security and environmental protection, farmers would have to receive fair prices and clear political framework conditions. Contracts that allow retail chains to buy products under the production costs are particularly problematic – a state that is at the expense of those who “supply us with food.”
Ebner continued: “Fair prices must be with the producersArrive inside – only in this way our farmers haveInside a future. It cannot be that the trade will cut in profits, while those who provide us with foods struggle to survive. “ This clear demand is at the center of the discussions on sustainable agriculture, which must take into account both ecological requirements and the social existence of the farmers.
During the conversation, the role of Out-of-home catering and the importance of reducing food waste and protecting biodiversity in agriculture. As a symbolic sign, Dr. Ebner the “old Franconian sentence” to Federal Minister of Agriculture Rainer. This project of the Slow Food Foundation for Biodiversity is part of the “ark of taste” and preserves traditional food, crops and farm animals from forgetting.
The Slow Food Germany initiative actively shapes dialogue with politics. Dr. Ebner thanked for the invitation and expressed the hope that the meeting would start with the start of a permanent and constructive exchange. This conversation reflects central demands for a future in agriculture socially just, ecologically compatible and economically sustainable.
Why fair food prices are important for everyone
Fair prices in agriculture affect far more than just the farmerinside yourself. You play a central role for the entire food industry, the environment and, last but not least, also for consumersinside. A permanently unjustly designed price structure leads to significant problems: Small and medium -sized businesses come under pressure due to increasing price pressure and the dominant trade power, many have to close or are adopted by large corporations. This not only endangers the diversity of farms, but also nutritional security and biodiversity.
A fair remuneration enables the producer to secure their existence and invest in sustainable growing methods. This not only strengthens its economic situation, but also contributes to the protection of the environment. Because environmentally friendly forms of agriculture are often more expensive, but can have a positive effect on soil, biodiversity and climate protection in the long term.
For consumers, a transparent price structure means a higher appreciation of food. If everyone involved is paid fairly along the production chain, the variety of sustainably produced products is growing on offer. This creates more trust and selection in purchasing and supports responsible consumption.
Overview of the consequences of fair food prices:
- Safety of existence of the farmers: Appropriate proceeds open up scope for action with which companies can invest in environmentally friendly methods.
- Advantages for consumers: Transparent prices ensure comprehensible cost structures and promote the availability of sustainable food.
- Protection of the environment and biodiversity: Less intensive cultivation and the preservation of traditional varieties protect natural habitats and promote diversity.
This interaction shows that fair prices are not just an economic necessity, but a social task that affects everyone – from the field to the plate.
The information and quotations in this article are based on a press release from Slow Food Deutschland eV
