Green Week 2024 has started

Cem Özdemir (Alliance 90/The Greens, 4th from left), Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture, Joachim Rukwied (3rd from right), President of the German Farmers' Association, Kai Wegner (CDU, 4th from right), Governing Mayor of Berlin, EU Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski (right), Christian von Boetticher (3rd from left), Chairman of the Federation of German Food and Drink Industries (BVE), Mario Tobias (2nd from left), Chairman of the Board of Management of Messe Berlin, Franziska Giffey (SPD, left), Chairman of the Berlin Business Senate (BVE) l), Chairman of the Federation of German Food and Drink Industries (BVE), Mario Tobias (2nd from left), Chairman of the Board of Messe Berlin, Franziska Giffey (SPD, l), Berlin Senator for Economics, and Felor Badenberg (non-party, 2nd from right), Berlin Senator for Consumer Protection, begin the opening tour of the Green Week exhibition grounds.

At the start of the Green Week in Berlin, Federal Minister of Agriculture Cem Özdemir promoted appreciation for agriculture and food production.

The fair is "a great overview" of what products are available, said the Green politician on Friday during the traditional opening tour. Numerous visitors had already streamed through the exhibition grounds in the morning, marvelling at sheep and cows and trying out regional specialities.

Wegner: "Lots of fun and interesting insights"

In addition to Özdemir, Berlin's Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) and Senator for Economic Affairs Franziska Giffey (SPD) also attended the opening of the Green Week. Wegner emphasised: "The Green Week is a trade fair that sees itself as an international meeting place for the agricultural business. The Green Week has always been a mirror of social development and social debates". The topics of sustainable agriculture, fair supply chains, the circular economy and climate protection have been discussed there for years.

Farmers' association focuses on further talks

Political debates were also held. After the budget committee of the Bundestag had upheld the planned cuts in diesel subsidies for farmers the previous day, Farmers' President Joachim Rukwied announced further, smaller protests for the coming days. In addition, however, the farmers' association is primarily focussing on further talks with the government and the parliamentary groups in the Bundestag. Wegner emphasised that it was important for urban and rural areas to work together rather than in opposition to each other. "We must ensure that we listen to each other." Reliable framework conditions are also necessary.

More than 300,000 people expected

The Green Week opened its doors to the public on Friday. Visitors can sample specialities, pet animals and find out about work in the food industry until 28 January. In the halls under the radio tower, 1400 exhibitors from 60 countries are presenting themselves. More than 300,000 people are expected to attend.