Also farmers have been cheated
Not only the customers in supermarkets have been bamboozled, but also farmers have been crooked for immensely overpriced seed potatoes.

The Federal Cartel Office has already prepared legal proceedings against the companies most involved in the matter. The office disclosed that fines have been charged against five additional enterprises and that the apartment of a suspect has already been searched. Insiders of the industry report the plot was a simple one. Before taking the orders by discounters, a so-called leader called his “colleagues” to fix the weekly price. The offers then deviated from each other just by a few cents.

The Agricultural Workgroup has spoken out on the issue and welcomed the investigations of the Federal Cartel Office. The Chairman of the Workgroup from Lower Saxony Ottmar Ilchmann has pointed out that several farmers have criticised the methods of large pototoe breeding and potato processing businesses for quite a while already.

The organisations met for a conference which had been arranged by Ireland as part of the country’s EU presidency. The main topic was the position taken by the agricultural lobby concerning the package of measures. “The package should ensure that Europe can react more dynamically in matters dealing with safety standards and risks” claims the general secretary of Copa-Cogeca Pekka Pesonen. More than  150 stakeholders and representatives of EU institutions and of the member states of the Union participated at the two-day confernence. Pesonen took a clear stance on behalf of all participants: “In light of the immense challenges and the increased demand for food, the limited resources and risks, along with harmful pests in Europe, it is not enough to ensure that agriculture in the EU remains productive, competitive and sustainable. In addition, all participants have to accept responsibility in warranting a safe supply chain for food in Europe.

Measures to artificially destroy harmful organisms for plants was addresses as well. A legal text was welcomed which stated that farmers and forest owners will be compensated according to the market value of the plants if they are effected by such measures. The forum then called on the EU to urgently implement the motion.

The Copa-Cogeca workgroup “Animal Health and Animal Protection” also pointed out that biological safety measures have to be included in the package in order to prevent the import of diseases to Europe. After the recent scandals the confidence of consumers needs to be regained.

Another positively regarded feature is the reduction of the legal text from 70 to five  points which makes life for farmes in the statutory jungle easier. The various lobby groups of the EU member states demanded that they should be included by all means in the implementation of the different agendas in the Union.

We live in a trendy, health conscious society which is steered by the media. “Bio” is fashionable. But, are agricultural products from biological producers necessarily better and healthier? This question is also posed by experts. The awareness that animals receive medication often causes conscientious objection among consumers who rely only on the generally presented superficial knowledge. The following question arises: ”Do animals which are raised in ecological farms not become ill, too?” Common sense says: “Humbug”, and animal protection organisations remain silent about the topic in order to somehow justify their existance. Actually, animal laws and regulations require the treatment of animals with pharmaceuticals.

It goes without saying that agricultural businesses which raise livestock have to be monitored in regards to the quality of life of their animals as well. But, the image of large stables with large numbers of animals has been ruined by a few black sheep of the industry. The issue is not a simple matter of black and white. Jürgen Pappen, the co-founder of initiative Heimische Landwirtschaft (regional agriculture) emphasised in an interview with gruuna in March: “ The well-being of animals and their husbandry has nothing to do with the size of an agricultural business.” The agriculturist explained that it is quite common that farmers take over farms which have been given up by other farmers. For example, 200 pigs which have been owned by three farmers in three stables may then be owned by a single farmer. This does not mean that the individual pig has less space, but only that it has more “family members”.

Security of supply
Experts predict that 70 percent of the world’s population will live in cities, and scientists confirm that intensive livestock keeping will be crucial to supplying these urban centers. For many living without meat is not an option. The decision to refrain from meat is an individual choice. As a vital economic sector, the agricultural industry has the task of feeding the global population. This contribution cannot be fulfilled if agriculture would turn its back on modern methods of production.

To make a long matter short: The EU plans to outlaw many types of fruit  and nobody knows why. Growing unpermitted fruit will then be fined. Old types of fruit will have little chance of being permitted. As a result, plant diversity in agriculture would be abolished. The new regulation, which will be introduced in the EU at the beginning of May, is supposedly for the health of animals and plants. EU officials have not elaborated about the issue. But, the commission has stepped back by stating that only professional growers, like farmers and horticultural businesses will be affected by the regulation. Instead of improving the stiuation, it makes matters worse.

Exchanging seed has a tradition, which will soon be over. In order to then exchange seed, all plants have to be permitted. This includes costly and elaborate tests, which are based on industrially raised types. Very often these types are imported for sale in German supermarkets.  Only the inernational seed lobby seems to benefit. The creativity and and individuality of local farmers will be undermined. We can sum the issue up by saying that the regulation will increase the dependency of  farmers from the industry, and that it will limit the induvidual market.

Many associations and organisations from all camps are up in arms. Gardening clubs along with political parties and agricultural organisations have set up petitions in support of their cause against the upcoming regulation in the Internet. This European idea causes bad blood.

Beauty pageants for domestic animals are nothing new. But, the judgement “beauty” can be misleading. Emphasis is placed on the performance of the animal, which, of course, is often reflected by the physique. During the early stages of the contests, the label “formalism” was used as a description to include performance, shape and colouring of an animal. Over decades this has developed into a systematic method for evaluating animals. Based on the experience that high performance can only be achieved by resilient and healthy animals, the evaluation of physical appearance has become established, implying that optical assessment actually means performance rating.

In spite of the rational assessment, the participating cows are groomed for the pageant. And, as is the case in human pageants, stylists beautify the contestants. Only after being brushed and blow-dried the animals enter the catwalk. When asked if prettifying an animal is similar to beautifying a human, an animal coiffeur explains: “It’s an art form to cut the hair so that unevenesses of the spine are balanced out,”

Let’s hope that the runners-up are not too frustrated and still give their quota of milk. At least their owners have a nice day in the country-fair-like atmosphere of the event.

What do you think? Are these beauty pageants worthwhile for agricultural businesses? Have your already participated with your animals at such an event? Voice your opinion and send us your views and experiences!

The news magazine “Der Spiegel” already reported in 2012, by referring to the Süddeutsche Zeitung, that the association Oxfam accused the Allianz Insurance of “gigantic speculation with food”. According to the research of Oxfam no other German company trades as extensively with food at the futures exchange like the insurance company. The trade had been outsources to the corporation Pimco, which is owned by the insurance. Pimco deals with five funds with increasing prices for agricultural products. The Oxfam study shows that the Allianz has invested more 6.2 billion euro in such funds and the Deutsche Bank almost 4.6 billion euro.  “People in poor countries spend almost 80 % of their income for food” says Frank Braßel, manager of the Oxfarm campaign to the “Spiegel”. Braßel continues: “These people are helplessly exposed to the speculation with food.”

The Munich-based news magazine “Focus“ looked at the end of 2012 at this worldwide issue from a scientific point of view, referring to a study by the University of Halle-Wittenberg, in which the the institute switched into reverse by saying that the criticism of global food speculation was exaggerated. “Focus“ stated that four researchers had claimed in a published paper that: “According to our current knowledge, we have little indication that financial speculation is responsible for the price increase in recent years.” The paper continued:” Instead of setting up obstacles for the trade by introducing food certificates, more transparency has to be given to price developments.” Supposedly the researchers analysed 35 works dealing with the topic of food specualtion between 2010 and 2012. The scientists claim that in most cases there is no correlation between speculation and heavily fluctuating world market prices for agricultural products. “In this case the alarm in society can be regarded as a false alarm” the researchers conclude. “Focus” softened its article about the study from Halle by stating that, numerous representatives of the financial sector, including the Commerzbank, the Landesbank Baden-Württemberg and the brokerage house of the Sparkasse, Deka, had joined the critics of the food speculation.

It remains to be seen if experts can present a neutral view without the influence of financial interests ot the political lobbying of environmental associations. The consumers are waiting with anticipation.

Even if some inhabitants, farmers or non-farmers may be up-to-date in their thinking, a village is still influenced by its rural structure. This structure is characterised by neighbourly ties and social control, which really means that everyone knows each other and talks about each other. This dictate has been put in place by humans for themselves. “Nature does not know good or bad. This difference has been created by human opinion”, as the Greek philosopher Sextus Empiricus voiced long before our present age. No doubt, there is plenty of gossipping going on behind closed doors in the cities as well, but urban centers also provide protection in the masses for people who choose their own way of life.

Country people, who have chosen to live outside of the traditional and self-imposed customs and norms, live by the credo: “We live according to our own manner and we feel comfortable in the village community. End of the story!” As long as homosexuality is a topic to write about and to discuss, it has not become part of the norm. And, we do not exclude ourselves; otherwise this article would not be published. Thanks to the quick and affordable medium “Internet”, people have the possibility to justify themselves towards people considering themselves as part of the contrived norm for something that actually needs no justification.

By now a few, more or less established, Internet platforms have been set up for gay farmers to exchange themselves. Here the question arises why heterosexual farmers are not in need of exchanging themselves with farmers with the same sexual preferance? Ah yes, the norm, One of the leading websites in Germany is gayfarmer.de. This portal is operated by the professional association GayFarmer, which counts over 400 members by now. The motto in all countries is to show strength and presence. Strength, which would be unnecessary for gay farmers if it were not for the norm.

Talk is essential for villagers to maintain the rural structure, and as we have mentioned before, communication is part of it. Life in a city is anonymous and often very lonesome. Personal communication is one of the primary benefits of life in the country and as normal as being gay. And that is good.

Michi Jo Standl

What to do?
Combating the pest is being considered because of possible health hazards where humans come in close contact with nests and the caterpaillar itself, namely in residential areas. Direct or indirect contact can cause skin irritations, especially in areas where the skin is relatively thin, like on the face. In addition, eyes and respiratory tracts may become irritated and this may even lead to asthma attacks. One safety precaution is avoiding infested oak trees. When coming into contact with caterpillar, consult with your physician. An antidote for the venom is available.

Infested trees are protected by substances, which are harmless for humans. These substances are extensively applied, among other means, by helicopter. One pesticide is “Bazillus thuringiensis Dipel ES”, which is environmentally friendly and does not harm plants and animals due to its biological ingredients. The substance is used successfully along the Rhine against harmful little diptera insects like midges. If nest are found after the application of the pesticide in the late spring, the nests have to be removed by hand. In some states, for example in Brandenburg, oak processional moths have to be reported. Please note, on private property the owners are responsible for combating the plight.

While the Deutsche Bank claims: “We have no evidence that speculation is responsible for the price development”, reality is that the prices for wheat and maize have sky-rocketed at the end of last year, in line with the overall upward trend since 2006. In 2011 the Orgnaisation for European Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the United Nations (FAO) have pointed out the following in a study: Researchers agree that a high degree of speculation at the futures exchanges has had a major impact on price fluctuations. Both organisations agree that price peaks cannot be explained without excessive speculation in food staples. Even the old commercial principle that “demand is determined by supply” can be questioned in this case. In spite of the global wheat harvest being good in 2010, the price rose rapidly after a slight shortfall in Russia. On the contrary, prices did not increase after poor wheat harvests in 2003 and 2004. Advocates in favour of speculating at the future exchanges cannot justify themselves based on the whims of nature.

Jürgen Fitschen, Executive Member of the Deutsche Bank, presents several studies. Supposedly he has 35 papers in his hands, which prove that the futures exchanges have nothing to do with price developments. Fitschen especially points out an independent study published and co-written by Prof. Ingo Pies, professor for economic ethics at the Martin-Luther-University in Halle-Wittenberg. “The influence of this index speculation on the volatility of the agricultural prices, their rise and fall, has been precisely analysed. And, secondly what was the impact on the price levels?” These are exactly the words Fitschen has waited for.

Nevertheless, the organisation Foodwatch adheres to its view. As Foodwatch founder Thilo Bode states to the news agency Reuters “ The Deutsche Bank acts highly irresponsible in its decision to further on offer financial instruments in the agricultural sector.”

Find out more about how the media handles the topic “Speculation with Food” next week.

Along with the regular check of fluids, brake discs and so on, safety has to be the top priority for your daily work without endangering yourself or other participants in traffic or passers-by. Especially check the engine, the trailer hitch and the tyres of your most important machine, the tractor. The spreading grit should be removed from the latter in order to prevent hazardous chip damages to vehicles following you. It is also recommended to clean your diesel tank now and then. Machinery for fetilising and sowing should not be neglected either. The more regular  maintenance is performed, the longer the machines will retain their value.

The do-it-yourself man
Many owners of agricultural enterprises are able to perform even complicated works on their machinery because of their professional education or experience. If the machinery is repaired and inspected at a professional garage, spare parts are obtained from an agricultural technology dealership. If you do it yourself, the questions of where to purchase inexpensive parts and of where to find a large selection of parts arise. The Internet is a great option. You can either look at the offers of agricultural machinery dealers, or you find a simple solution: A forum which offers agricultural technology across Europe and even across the world. For example, on gruuna.com you can find everything, from tyres to all types of filters, from lamps to large spareparts, like compressors and shafts. A virtual shopping center for agricultural products – all in one!

No matter if you or a garage service your machines and equipment, do not forget that also tractors and other machinery require the technical inspection decal by law. There is no way to avoid visiting the TÜV or DEKRA.