2023-11-21 13:02:07
Chamber of Labor boss Renate Anderl and Chamber of Agriculture President Josef Moosbrugger announced “a common commitment to sustainably producing agriculture and forestry” during a farm visit. There are “many common interests,” said the two social partners on Tuesday. The often expressed AK criticism of agricultural subsidies and food prices has always led to dissatisfaction among farmer representatives in the past.
Moosbrugger had invited Anderl to the Spanblocherhof – a dairy farm with 27 dairy cows – in Zöbern in the Bucklige Welt (Neunkirchen district). In public, one “mostly notices the contrasts” between the Chamber of Labor and the Chamber of Agriculture, said Moosbrugger on Tuesday morning. However, agriculture and workers have a “variety of interests” in common. The head of the Chamber of Agriculture referred to the security of supply with high-quality food and jobs in the upstream and downstream areas of agriculture. If you have food quality, security of supply and jobs in mind, then “it cannot always be about the cheapest price”. The agricultural representatives also see themselves confirmed by a current food industry investigation by the Federal Competition Authority (BWB), according to which there was no noticeable increase in profit margins for farmers and supermarkets in times of record inflation in a long-term comparison.
The AK President also referred to the many jobs in Austria that are linked to agriculture, for example in the areas of processing, transport and trade. In addition, “local farmers also ensure an attractive landscape and quality of life in rural areas” and Austria’s agricultural businesses are “also young and female”. For Anderl, there are “many model farms” in local agriculture, but when exploitation occurs, “you have to look.” The AK boss defended the Chamber of Labor food price monitor. In addition to the price, the quality, ingredients and packaging size are also taken into account. “These comparisons are here to stay.”
At their press conference, the social partners wanted to “put what unites us before what divides us”. “All people in Austria must be made even more aware of the achievements of farmers,” said the head of the Chamber of Agriculture. “The good discussions today will certainly help to create good prospects for farmers, employees and Austria’s future in general within the framework of social partnership and direct dialogue,” said the AK boss. Anderl and Moosbrugger also pointed out the need to protect Austria’s soil as a basis for life from increasing sealing. It is also important to do something together to combat climate change and to make greater use of the potential of agriculture and forestry.
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