Specialty Crops Under Pressure: First Parliamentary Evening Calls for Reliable Framework Conditions

Plant protection, bureaucracy, and production costs – these are just some of the issues currently weighing heavily on Germany’s specialty crop sector. Under the motto "Querbeet – a refreshing evening with local fruit, vegetables, mushrooms, and potatoes", the first Parliamentary Evening for Specialty Crops took place in Berlin on 14 October 2025.

The event brought together numerous Members of the German Bundestag, as well as representatives from government authorities, associations, and member companies, to discuss current challenges and necessary political action. The evening was jointly hosted by the Federal Association of Producer Organisations for Fruit and Vegetables (BVEO), the Union of the German Potato Industry (UNIKA), and the German Potato Trade Association (DKHV).

Silvia Breher, Parliamentary State Secretary, BMLEH:

"In her welcome address, Breher highlighted the importance of domestic specialty crop production, emphasizing that Germany is home to many exemplary businesses supplying consumers with high-quality food products."

"Enabling this valuable work through reliable framework conditions is a key concern of the Federal Ministry for Agriculture, Food and Homeland (BMLEH). The Ministry and its departments remain open to constructive dialogue with the sector."

Olaf Feuerborn, Chairman, UNIKA:

"The industry needs a well-equipped toolbox to be future-ready. Plant protection products are indispensable for risk management in production. It is essential that approval procedures are designed to be lean, unbureaucratic, and responsive."

Olaf Feuerborn:

"I welcome the fact that improving approval procedures has been included in the coalition agreement and assure that the industry stands ready to support the government’s approach constructively."

Thomas Herkenrath, President, DKHV:

"For many European companies, it is becoming increasingly difficult to remain competitive in global trade. High production costs – driven by excessive bureaucracy, overregulation, documentation duties, and certification requirements – are putting more and more pressure on businesses."