On the one hand, some protested against farming subsidies being cut, which protesters argue would increase reliance on imports. On the other hand, some people in Berlin have taken to the streets on January 20 to call for a fundamental change in traditional farming practices. The youth section of the Luxembourgish Ecological Movement (Mouveco) joined the protests.
The protest in Berlin, held under the banner of ‘We are fed up,’ specifically targeted concerns with industrial agriculture. As every year, 8.000 people gathered to demand more socially just agricultural practices, better conditions for animals and more sustainable farming practices. Another prominent issue for these protesters is gene editing as the EU wants to loosen regulation in this realm, with the aim of better and more profitable crops. However, critics fear a loss of control and significant challenges for organic farmers. “This is about taking a stand for change. If we don’t commit ourselves to a turnaround in agricultural policy (‘Agrarwende’) now, then things will only become more difficult for farmers and agriculture in general. The soil will become even drier and we will end up in a vicious cycle,” explains Alice Diriken, a student taking part in her first demonstration. She has been working with other young people in Move, the youth section of Mouveco.
She advocates for less pesticides in Luxembourg as well as, more organic agriculture and fair compensation for farmers. Consumers should also be part of the solution by eating less meat and buying more locally sourced products.
Recently, the organisation conducted a survey on the idea of introducing a meatless day in school cantines, a so-called Veggie Monday. The survey will remain open until March.
For the European elections, Move hopes that Europeans vote for more sustainable farming by making subsidies conditional on climate-friendly farming practices.
Watch the video report in Luxembourgish
