From Subjects to Citizens: German Farmers Reclaiming Power Through Active Dissent
Social Contract Theory by John Locke
Government is based on the consent of the governed; and once the people form a government, a majority has the authority to govern. MEN being . . . by nature, all free, equal, and independent, no one can be put out of this state, and subjected to the political power of another, without his own consent. The only way whereby any one divests himself of his natural liberty, and puts on the bonds of civil society, is by agreeing with other men to join and unite into a community for their comfortable, safe, and peaceable living one amongst another, in a secure enjoyment of their properties, and a greater security against any, that are not of it. This any number of men may do, because it injures not the freedom of the rest; they are left as they were in the liberty of the state of nature. When any number of men have so consented to make one community or government, they are thereby presently incorporated, and make one body politic, wherein the majority have a right to act and conclude the rest. . . .
The bedrock of government is the consent of the governed. Yet, a creeping feeling lingers that our representatives, once envisioned as public servants, have drifted from reflecting the people's will. While it's often said that the few can't control the many, the "pandemic" became a case study in fear-driven manipulation, until it abruptly wasn't. In my view, the COVID-19 measures – the propaganda, mandates, & lockdowns – only started to loosen their grip when enough voices finally rose in a collective "enough is enough!"
My fellow Warriors, brace yourselves! The past year has unveiled a storm cloud brewing on the horizon of our freedoms. From the looming WHO treaty and IHR amendments to draconian climate goals, suffocating "15-minute cities," and eco-mazes of toll-riddled roads, the threats multiply.
For several years, I lived on a German farm that stretched as far as the eye could see into The Netherlands. It was beautiful. Smelly at times but nevertheless awe inspiring as to what man can do with the land he is given. This was the view from my back porch:
On Monday, January 8, 2024, German farmers will make their stand to fight for their livelihoods & for food security.
Let’s examine what German farmers are protesting against.
Cancellation of Agricultural Diesel
A December 18, AA article describes the ruling:
Chancellor Olaf Scholz's left-liberal coalition government announced austerity measures and spending cuts last week to fix a €17 billion (about $18.5 billion) gap in the 2024 budget.
Under the scheme, German farmers will no longer receive tax breaks on the diesel they use and will no longer be exempt from car tax on farming vehicles.
German agricultural associations have been warning that the subsidy cuts would make food even more expensive next year, as transport and energy costs are also expected to rise in 2024.
According to YCharts!
Germany Consumer Price Index: Food is at a current level of 132.10, up from 131.30 last month and up from 125.20 one year ago. This is a change of 0.61% from last month and 5.51% from one year ago. The German consumer is already struggling with increased food prices.
A December 17, 2023 Reuter’s article:
Agricultural minister, Ozdemir earlier said the only alternative to keeping the subsidy for agricultural diesel was closing farms. The agriculture minister will himself speak at a farmers' protest demonstration in Berlin on Monday.
"Car drivers can switch to electric but heavy agricultural machinery can't do that yet," he said. "And we have to eat."
What is the Current Agricultural Tax Break on Diesel Fuel?
In March of 2022, Germany’s ruling coalition agreed on an approximately $16 billion stimulus to “ease the burden on businesses and households from soaring energy costs, including a temporary reduction in fuel prices.” The initial tax cut on diesel fuel was 14 cents per liter, later revised to 16 cents per liter as of July 1, 2022.
In today’s exchange rate, .33 eurocents = .36 U.S. dollars x 3.785 liters in a gallon = $1.36 versus the original $2.19 back in January of 2022.
Cost Increase for one Plow
To put things into perspective:
Average diesel fuel consumption per hectare of Farm
ResearchGate: A study on diesel consumption per hectare for various crops in Germany estimates fuel usage for plowing systems at 70-80 liters/ha, compared to 50-70 liters/ha for no-till and 30-40 liters/ha for direct seeding.
Average Farm Size in Germany
Variation: Farm sizes in Germany range widely, with small family farms coexisting alongside large, intensive operations. While the average is 60.5 hectares, roughly 47% of all farms possess between 5 and 29.9 hectares, while 44% are 30 hectares or more.
High End - 80 liters/ha x 60.5 ha = 4,840 liters for one farm plow x .16 eurocent tax cut = 774.40 euros the farmer would lose per plow if the tax cut was lifted
Low End - 30 liters/ha x 60.5 ha = 1,815 for one direct seeding x .16 eurocent tax cut = 290.40 euros the farmer would lose per direct seeding if the tax cut was lifted.
Factors Effecting German Farm Profit Margins:
Profitability Factors:
Farm size and type: Larger farms and those specializing in crops like fruits or vegetables often have higher potential profit margins than smaller farms or those solely focused on grains.
Production costs: Costs like fuel, fertilizer, and animal feed significantly impact profitability. Efficient operations and economies of scale can play a role.
Market prices: Fluctuations in agricultural product prices can dramatically affect profits.
Government subsidies and support: Policies and subsidies can influence farmers' income.
Individual farm management: Farmers' business skills, risk management strategies, and market access all play a crucial role.
There are a bunch of factors outside the farmers’ control. Although German inflation has decreased since its peak of 8.8% in October of 2022 to 3.2% in November of 2023, inflation is still cumulative & higher than the long-term average of 2.0%.
Source: YCharts
It’s not like German farmers are rolling in the dough even with the government subsidies.
General German Farm Profitability:
Profitability by Farm Type: Research indicates average profit margins for fruit and vegetable farms in Germany can be around 15%, while arable farms focusing on grains may average closer to 5%.
If you are a German grain farmer, inflation ate all but 1.8% of your profit for the month. Now tack back on your .16 eurocent/liter diesel fuel cut, add vehicle taxes, carbon taxes, & increased truck tolls would you be able to stay in business?
Agricultural vehicles were exempt from the standard German vehicle tax (Kraftfahrzeugsteuer) used for funding road construction and maintenance.
German Agriculture Subsidies are not new:
While the German government doesn't directly subsidize agricultural diesel fuel, they implemented a reduced energy tax rate for it starting in 1993. This effectively acts as a subsidy by lowering the cost of fuel for farmers compared to the standard rate for non-agricultural vehicles.
Prior to 1993, agricultural vehicles were completely exempt from all energy taxes. However, as part of a broader European Union tax harmonization effort, Germany introduced the reduced rate system. This system, combined with other agricultural support measures, aims to help ensure the competitiveness and sustainability of German agriculture.
Imagine generations of German families tilling the same soil, building lives off the land. For over three decades, they've relied on reduced energy taxes & zero vehicle fees to keep their farms afloat. Now, with government budgets tightening, those very lifelines are threatened. Is it any wonder these farmers are upset?
Impact on Everyone
The World Economic Forum’s Agenda 2030, climate goals, climate initiatives, climate ‘crisis’, whatever you want to call them are to be implemented worldwide. In a speech during a climate action summit in May, John Kerry stated the following:
In a recent speech, Kerry, who serves as the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, shared his vision for the future, citing that agriculture must be at the forefront of achieving, “net zero.”
Kerry said, “Agriculture contributes about 33% of all the emissions of the world. And we can’t get to net zero — we don’t get this job done — unless agriculture is front and center as part of the solution. You just can’t continue to both warm the planet, while also expecting to feed it. It doesn’t work. So we have to reduce emissions from the food system.”
The actions taken by governments around the world to include Germany, The Netherlands, & Ireland, are testing grounds for that they can get away with. Just like the ‘pandemic’. Masks, social-distancing, 2-weeks to slow the spread, lockdowns, quarantines, & mandates. It’s the totalitarian-tip-toe. Will the German farmers be successful on Monday? Will they be steadfast & supported by the community? As Eva stated above, ALL EYES ON GERMANY.
What can my Fellow Warriors do?
Take notes this upcoming week! Observe the organized tactics of the German farmers & their supporters. Observe what type of retaliatory methods the German government may use. As with The Freedom Convoy AKA Canadian Trucker Movement, we learned not to use funding platforms that cater to government pressures such as ‘Go Fund Me’ & the lawfare efforts Trudeau attempted with the Emergencies Act.
The Freedom Convoy shone a spotlight on the importance of transparent & evidence-based policymaking, where addressing public concerns hinges on clear communication, well-defined justifications, & decisions rooted in solid evidence. These principles can help avert the pitfalls of sudden jolts to the system that catch everyone unprepared. Although Agenda 2030 planned to move full-steam-ahead, we don’t know when the hammer will fall & what sanctions it will involve. Hopefully we can fight back before it’s too late.
Stand up & peacefully protest against things you know to be wrong. I highlight again, the consent of the governed. I’d like to add the informed consent of the governed. Strength in numbers.
Until next time, stay informed, stay vigilant, Ever Forward!