Do not lose sight of rural areas and maintain scope for decision-making! SRLE is against planned cuts in GAK funding

The SRLE is deeply concerned about the massive cuts in GAK funds planned in the federal budget and the abolition of earmarking of funds for integrated rural development," said Prof. Dr. Peter Weingarten, Director of the Thünen Institute of Rural Studies and member of the SRLE.

The SRLE fears that funding cuts and the elimination of earmarking will result in the states having no leeway for new approvals of integrated rural development measures in view of a high commitment of funds for agrarian structural measures and coastal protection. Therefore, the SRLE appeals to the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the Federal Government and the members of the Bundestag to give more attention to rural development in the federal budget again.

The statement in German language is available here.