Despite concerns, the European Commission successfully concluded negotiations on the controversial Mercosur deal in December. The independent farmers’ association reacted indignantly and gathered on Thursday for a tractor protest in front of the Vienna parliament: “We are not doing this because we are fed up with it, but because it is about the farmers!”
The independent farmers’ association takes stock: the clear failure of the current negotiations in Vienna to form the new federal government reflects agricultural policy in Austria and Europe. The association paints a bleak picture for the future of agricultural policy in Austria.
UBV: Farmers’ income “a shame”
The farmers are doing poorly, especially financially. According to the Green Report, these people would end up at the bottom of all income categories. From an economic perspective, according to their calculations, they would need an income two to three times as high to “reasonably” make ends meet. Because the majority of farmers’ income at 16,000 is relatively “a shame”, while civil servants receive an annual income of 62,000 euros.
For years they have pointed out the brutal imbalance in farmers’ incomes. Because: while indexed expenditure on household resources would often be more expensive by double digits, incomes are stagnating or declining significantly.
Association accuses parties of indifference
The Independent Building Association sees the blame mainly at the parties and their own representatives and accuses them of indifference: “Some people shrug their shoulders,” it said in a broadcast on Thursday. “They try to justify means that are unsuitable for practical use under all kinds of conditions.”
Many discussions were hopeless and concrete solutions were rejected by those responsible. They are calling for a new approach to agricultural policy and want to make the general public aware of farmers’ concerns and challenges with the tractor protest taking place on Thursday. A press conference will then take place in front of Parliament.
Source: Krone
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