Food Safety „Made in Germany“

At their fourth Export Day in mid June the German agricultural and food industries demonstrated their export strength: Seven out of ten companies in the sector already export to non-EU countries. The German agricultural and food sectors are the international leaders in terms of technical know-how and innovative power.

Less Resources but Bigger Yields

If the Federal Government had its way, this potential would help to improve the nutritional situation worldwide – especially in view of limited resources and a growing world population. “It’s not only about exporting foods. We also want to impart knowledge,” explained the Undersecretary of State at the Federal Ministry for Agriculture, Dr. Gerd Müller, at the Export Day. The German agricultural sector had the required know-how, he said, and should also advertise it. “We see solutions: less water, less land use, less pesticides, higher yields.” This was the right path, Müller felt.

Funding Doubled

According to Müller the Ministry for Agriculture doubled the budget for bilateral cooperation with foreign partners over the past three years in order to promote Germany’s international engagement in these matters. His Ministry subsidises projects for increasing agricultural production in partner countries. Especially where the food situation is critical: for instance, in Ethiopia farmers and their employees are familiarised with the use of modern agricultural technology with German help.

To strengthen responsible corporate governance of German companies also in the international arena the Federal Government intends to fund a study that looks at the possibilities and opportunities for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in agriculture and food sectors. The study is designed to collect best-practice examples and hoped to win over more companies for a CSR commitment, explained Müller.

Source and further information:
Press Release SAVE FOOD