German Farmers Face Sharp Income Decline as Costs Rise and Prices Drop

Farmers' earnings fell significantly in the 2023/24 fiscal year, with many calling for a policy shift to restore competitiveness.

The average income for German farmers dropped by 29% in the 2023/24 fiscal year to €77,500, marking a sharp decline from the previous year's record earnings.
Bavarian farmers experienced an average income decrease of 20%, with milk producers seeing the steepest drop at 27%, while pig farmers saw a 16% recovery from historically low levels.
Farmers attribute the income decline to lower producer prices for key crops and livestock products, compounded by persistently high costs for energy and other inputs.
The number of farms in Germany has decreased by 11% over the past decade, with remaining farms managing larger areas but struggling to stay profitable.
The German Farmers' Association is urging a political shift ahead of the February 2025 Bundestag election to create more favorable conditions for agricultural competitiveness within the European market.