Schleswig-Holstein's New Agriculture Minister Commits to Harmony Between Farming and Nature

Cornelia Schmachtenberg has been appointed as the new Minister of Agriculture in Schleswig-Holstein, taking over from Werner Schwarz. As a CDU member, she emphasizes that modern agriculture and nature conservation can coexist through collaboration. Schmachtenberg stated, "The agriculture needs an intact nature, and the nature conservation needs the farmers," signaling a balanced approach to the sector's challenges. She aims to provide farmers with stability and predictability essential for planning future generations amid external factors like weather. Schmachtenberg plans to engage directly with farmers by visiting their farms to understand their concerns and how policy can support them. She prioritizes the use of solar energy on already sealed surfaces before converting agricultural land and recognizes the need for secure incomes amid rising interest in photovoltaics, while also acknowledging conflicts between wind energy development and nature conservation. Additionally, she defends farmers amid debates on nitrogen contamination in groundwater, referencing current fertilizer regulations. Ready to face public criticism and protests, Schmachtenberg underscores the importance of open dialogue with the electorate and cooperation between agriculture and environmental interests. This approach marks a new direction in Schleswig-Holstein's agricultural policy, aiming for joint sustainability and economic reliability for farmers.