APRIL 2024 17 Blockages in Germany (and France) began in mid-January 2024 after the countries announced they would phase out a diesel fuel tax break. In the two countries, it was hoped that the removal of the tax break would encourage more people to switch to an alternative fuel source, especially where vehicles are concerned, to affect better GHG emission results per the United Nations Paris Agreement. In Germany, the plan to remove the diesel fuel tax break angered those in the far-right parties. Realizing that Europe doesn’t want to see that again, Chancellor Olaf Scholz made concessions, noting that a car tax exemption for farming vehicles would be retained and cuts in the diesel tax breaks would be staggered over three years. Despite Chancellor Scholz stating his belief that extremists were fanning flames of discontent, German farmers opted to continue their blockade actions. The German farmers said they want a complete reversal of the diesel fuel subsidy cuts. Bargaining in good faith, Chancellor Stolz added that they will see “what else we can do so that agriculture has a good future.” We Need More Cowbell In Spain, it is fighting against the strict EU regulations and the perceived lack of Spanish government support for what Spainish farmers want. Spanish farmer groups say the EU environmental regulations cut into their crop profitability and force them to raise prices, increasing consumer costs. The country has been hit hard by drought in the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons, affecting olive and rice yields. St age S uti s f Dry Fertilizer Storage Liquid Fertilizer Storage Chemical & Seed Warehouses Oth S vices Design Services Site Development Full General Contractor Renovations & Remodels 6,440 Metric tons 55,000 sq. ft. 22,415 metric tons 800-367-3424 www.MarcusConstruction.com
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