Considering the current geopolitical situation, the economic conditions for horticultural businesses must be adjusted. The Zentralverband Garten (ZVG) is calling for the national CO2 pricing for horticulture to be suspended. Energy measures from the coalition agreement must be tackled swiftly. "Horticultural businesses are already under massive cost pressure. If diesel and fertilizer now become significantly pricier within a few weeks, this will affect many companies in an already tense economic situation," explains ZVG President Eva Kähler-Theuerkauf.
"Even if the federal government currently sees no financial leeway for relief programs, we at least expect additional burdens on our businesses to be taken off the table in the near future," emphasizes Kähler-Theuerkauf.
Urgent need for action
In their coalition agreement, the CDU/CSU and SPD agreed to reduce the requirements in the Energy Efficiency Act to the EU specifications and to exempt agriculture – and thus also horticulture – from EU emissions trading. "Action must be taken here. Similarly, agriculture and horticulture must be decoupled from national CO2 pricing. Energy-intensive greenhouse horticulture has been suffering for years from CO2 pricing within national emissions trading. This is an immediate lever that can be used to provide noticeable relief to the situation of predominantly small and medium-sized horticultural businesses."
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