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In a statement, the German Winegrowers' Association (DWV) has spoken out against the abolition of subsidies for agricultural businesses. Last week, the German government announced the cancellation of the agricultural diesel rebate and the motor vehicle tax for agricultural vehicles for 2024. This decision led to a wave of protests from the agricultural and winegrowing sectors.
"Especially in the already tense economic situation, the federal government's cost-cutting measures could threaten the existence of agricultural businesses. German winegrowers are also being deprived of their competitiveness on the European market," said Klaus Schneider, President of the DWV. "The use of agricultural vehicles, which usually takes place most of the time in the fields and vineyards and not in road traffic, justifies an exemption from motor vehicle tax and therefore unequal treatment compared to other motor vehicles," added Christian Schwörer, Secretary General of the DWV.
The wine industry plays a significant role in the preservation and maintenance of rural areas as well as the natural and cultural landscape itself and the preservation of biodiversity. The work carried out by winegrowers there must be honoured and not made even more difficult. "We therefore support the demonstrations and demands of the German Farmers' Association and are ready to participate in further measures," continued DWV President Klaus Schneider. The DWV appeals to the federal government to reconsider this decision and withdraw the plans.
(ru / press release)