Money for Land: German Farmers Divided over EU Agricultural Subsidies

Every year, the European Union pumps some 6 billion euros into Germany's agricultural sector. But where does it all go? The amount farmers receive depends on how much land they have. Small-scale farmers are amazed to find out how much the big agricultural enterprises cream off from Brussels. Our reporter Kerstin Schweizer travelled to Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, one of the poorest parts of the country, that is also home to Germany's largest agricultural enterprise. The firm receives 3.7 million euros in direct payments from Brussels every year, a figure that astounded even the local mayor. He says he would prefer to promote small and medium-sized businesses that create more jobs. Made in Germany looks into the advantages and disadvantages of large-scale farming versus smaller enterprises and the controversy over EU subsidies.

DW-World | June 23, 2009

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