Greens Accuse Rhineland-Palatinate Government of Abandoning Organic Farming

The Green party in Rhineland-Palatinate has accused the governing coalition of "completely neglecting" organic farming in the state.

"Anyone who removes targets, buries the organic action plan, and cancels successful formats like the organic action days has written off organic farming," stated state parliament member Paul Bunjes, a trained farmer. He referenced the Environment Ministry's response to his inquiry, which indicated no specific expansion goals for organic agriculture in the coalition agreement for 2026-2031.

Environment Minister Christine Schneider (CDU) confirmed that obligations for the current funding period until 2027 would be fulfilled. She added that the state government would advocate for adequate funding for organic farming and other sustainable practices in the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) after 2027.

Bunjes countered that slowing down organic farming during a time of heat, drought, and species extinction is detrimental to farmers and the environment. "Organic farming is not a nice-to-have, but active climate and nature protection," he argued. He stressed that reliable political support is essential for organic farms in Rhineland-Palatinate as European agricultural policies are decided, and that abandoning organic farming means consciously choosing against climate protection and the preservation of living conditions.