Since 1980, the American Council on Germany has promoted exchanges on farming and agriculture. More than 40 years later, the ACG continues to promote understanding across the Atlantic between those in the agricultural industry.
On the afternoon of November 17, the third cohort of the American Council on Germany’s Leadership Mission on Agriculture Policy and Resource Scarcity met in Berlin for a week of policy meetings and farm visits. The group of 12 represented five states: Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The program explores the commonalities of agriculture on both sides of the Atlantic. The Halle Foundation generously sponsors this program.
After settling in, the group gathered for a river cruise along the Spree River, which offered a historic and scenic introduction to the city. That evening, Deutsche Bauernverband (DBV) staff, including Roger Fechler (2012 ACG McCloy Fellow in Agriculture), Head of Livestock Department, joined the group for a welcome dinner, where they exchanged insights on the German agricultural structure, recent developments in sustainable farming, and the impact of the war in Ukraine on European food security.
The next day began with an early morning departure to the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) for a meeting with Dr. Burkhard Schmied, Head of Agricultural Production, Horticulture, and Agricultural Policy, who provided an overview of the ministry’s role in shaping agricultural policies within both Germany and the EU. Dr. Schmied explained that Germany is preparing for the future with more climate change-resistant crops and forestry.
Afterward, the group visited the DBV headquarters, known as the House of Agriculture, for discussions with Christian Gaebel (ACG McCloy Fellow on Agriculture in 2015), Policy Advisor for the Department for Agricultural and Support Policy; Heinz Möddel, Policy Advisor for the Department for Agricultural Economics; and Katharina Geiger, Policy Advisor for the Department for Arable Crops.
Following a quick lunch, the group spent the afternoon visiting the U.S. Embassy for an exchange with Sabine Lieberz and Nicolas Rubio, Agricultural Counselors for the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), a diplomatic arm of the United States Department of Agriculture. They work with the German government to support the interest of American farmers abroad, including promoting the trade of products like soybeans, pecans, and tobacco. The U.S. exports $20 billion in produce to the EU, with $3 billion directly to Germany, making the transatlantic relationship a critical component of agriculture.
The evening concluded with a dinner and discussions at Deutscher Raiffeisenverband e.V. (German Agri Cooperatives Association). The DRV is the political umbrella organization of all cooperatives and cooperative-oriented German agricultural and food industry companies. As an important link in the food value chain, the 1,656 member companies in producing, trading, and processing plant and animal products, with 114,000 employees and 6,000 people in training, achieve a turnover of 82.6 billion euros.
On Tuesday, the agenda began with a visit to the Berlin Wall Memorial, where participants learned about the history of the Wall and the Peace Bread Association, which teaches peace and understanding through agriculture. Later that day, the participants returned to the DBV to discuss the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and EU regulations on farming, animal welfare, and sustainability, which raised questions about the future of Germany’s food security.
Over dinner, the group was joined by Theresa Krätner (2023 Leadership Mission Participant), Policy Advisor Renewable Energy and Social Policy for DBV. She also heads the DBV’s initiatives to involve more women in agriculture.
On Wednesday, November 20, the group traveled to Hannover. Upon arrival in Hannover, the cohort boarded a bus to Bergen, where they visited Hohls Becklingen, a pig farm and biogas producer. Jan-Hendrik Hohls, a fifth-generation farmer, showed off his innovative way of housing 1000 pigs. In addition, the farm produces enough biogas to heat and provide electricity to the entire town. Mr. Hohls explained that his farm embraces change and technology because agriculture, and the success of agriculture, is critical to the success of Germany.
During the visit to Bergen, the impact of the war in Ukraine was profound as the town is used as a training ground for Ukrainian soldiers on German military equipment.
That evening, the cohort was joined by Sebastian Kuhlmann, Head of Communications and Press Office for the regional farmers’ organization Landvolk Niedersachsen. Mr. Kuhlmann explained the difficulties communicating with the general public about the importance of agriculture.
On November 21, the group took a historical tour of Hanover’s old town before heading to Ottenstein. There, they visited Weserbergland Milch GmbH & Co. KG, a dairy farm focusing on innovative practices, including automation and a biogas program. Owner Kai Schomburg explained how he grew his farm from 50 hectares to 1700 hectares in 25 years by focusing on dairy production.
Upon returning to Hannover, the cohort met with Jörn Ehlers (2017 McCloy Fellow on Agriculture), the Vice Chairman of Landvolk Niedersachsen. He discussed the disconnect between politicians and farming practitioners, which has led to increased farmer protests in the last years.
On Friday, November 22, the day began with a visit to the Lower Saxony Ministry of Food and Agriculture for a candid conversation with Nelly Wendt, Policy Advisor of the Unit for Agricultural Policy, International Affairs, and Digitization. An asparagus farmer herself, she explained the common challenge of farmers needing a supplementary income to make ends meet.
Before departing Lower Saxony, the group had one last farm visit to Landwirtschaftsbetreib Arkenberg, owned and operated by Dr. Ina and Fred Arkenberg. The mixed-use farm produces cattle, dairy, and grains. The husband-and-wife team explained how they work closely with their veterinarian to ensure the health of their cows. This was particularly important when African Swine Flu and Blue Tongue Disease spread throughout Germany, and their farm remained relatively unharmed.
That afternoon, the cohort transferred to Münster, where the regional farmers’ organization Westfälisch-Lippischer Landwirtschaftverband (WLV) hosted dinner. Guests included Hubertus Beringmeier, President of WLV; Dr. Thomas Forstreuter, Secretary General of WLV; and several local farmers. The family-style dinner provided a festive discussion as the American and German farmers shared photos of their farms and families.
On November 23, the group was welcomed to the offices of WLV for a conversation on renewable energy as an economic opportunity for farmers. This was followed by a meeting on biodiversity protection in agriculture through special grant opportunities from the Stiftung Westfalische Kulturlandschaft. The main principles are the conservation of agricultural land, technology integration into production, and increasing income for farmers.
Upon arrival in Frankfurt, Sebastian Schneider, the secretary general of the Hessischer Bauernverband, joined the participants over dinner. Last year, he participated in the exchange and traveled to Washington, D.C., and the state of Georgia.
As Saturday evening approached, they began reflecting on the similar challenges between the two countries. Consumers want more sustainable, animal-friendly products but are often unwilling or unable to afford the added costs of such items. Agricultural land is increasingly sold off, making land more expensive for those who want to farm. With less land being farmed and increasing sustainable regulations, there will be more food insecurity.
On November 24, after a week of meetings, the participants made their way to Frankfurt airport for departure. This marked the end of a busy, informative week filled with agricultural insights, networking, and cultural exploration.