Following the elimination of data protection concerns, figures on the recipients of EU agricultural susidies in 2011 are now publically available. Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland – BUND (Friends of the Earth Germany) says these figures confirm fears that a small number of large businesses often profit excessively from the subsidies, while smaller farms remain disadvantaged.
The majority of farms, namely 62 percent, received a total of 5.75 billion euros, less than 12 percent of the total amount provided. According to Reinhild Benning, agricultural expert at BUND, smaller farms could benefit from a greater link between direct payments and environmental requirements, as their advantage over large companies is clear. German Agriculture Minister Ilse Aigner is currently opposing the so-called “greening” of these payments. BUND also highlighted that during 2011 meat companies were amongst the largest beneficiaries of subsidies.
More information in German here:
