Debate over water scarcity: Wendorff opposes large 'water cent' increase

Brandenburg's farmer president, Henrik Wendorff, has voiced strong opposition to significant hikes in water prices for the agricultural sector. He stated that he would not accept a substantial increase in the "water usage fee."

"Currently, the water usage fee in the agricultural sector is 10 cents per cubic meter," Wendorff explained to the 'Märkische Allgemeine Zeitung.' "We would not object to a moderate adjustment to a competitive level with other federal states." However, he emphasized that "drastic, sudden increases of 20% or more are absolutely unacceptable."

Wendorff also demanded guarantees that any funds generated from these fees would be strictly allocated to water management investments. He warned against using the revenue to cover state budget shortfalls, likening the possibility of the state continuously increasing the percentage to a "self-service shop," which he deemed "completely unacceptable."

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Hanka Mittelstädt is working on new water legislation, having recently stated that water is currently priced too cheaply. The debate highlights the tension between the need for water management investments and the affordability concerns of the agricultural industry.