Munich (dpa / lby) – The new edition of the cultural landscape program for agriculture pleases Bavaria’s bird protectors more than the farmers’ association. On Wednesday in Munich, Minister of Agriculture Michaela Kaniber presented the regulations for the “Kulap” that will apply from 2023 – grants with which the EU, federal and state governments pay farmers compensation for maintaining the cultivated landscape. This year, 337.5 million euros are available for this purpose. How much it will be in the coming year is not yet certain. “We will try to maintain this level in any case,” said the CSU politician.
Among other things, the extensive use of meadows and pastures is promoted while largely avoiding the use of pesticides. The pasture premium was increased. “This should be an additional incentive for us to get cattle out to pasture,” said Kaniber. Added to this are, among other things, grants for insect-friendly mowing and the settlement of field birds.
Kaniber emphasized the importance of the Kulap: “Bavaria’s face would be different today” if the program didn’t exist. According to the ministry, about half of Bavarian farmers take part in the program. “You can see how ecologically friendly the conventional farmer is.”
The State Association for Bird Protection (LVS) is satisfied with the new edition. “The Kulap is greener,” said LVS President Norbert Schäffer. But since some of the subsidies previously paid are no longer available elsewhere, the farmers’ association (BBV) is less satisfied. “There is definitely the possibility that the individual company is in a much worse position,” said BBV President Walter Heidl.
The State Association for Organic Farming certified the state government’s successful commitment to the interests of organic farmers. “Bavaria really did its job there,” said state chairman Hubert Heigl.
