Agriculture before the end: Klenke fight for their existence!

Agriculture before the end: Klenke fight for their existence!

in Bad Sooden-Allendorf, Tobias and Elzbieta Klenke made the decision to convert their agricultural operation from one main acquisition. This measure follows the recent cancellation of the production of asparagus and strawberries, which have been successfully grown over 22 years, of which have been successfully grown since 2016. The step not only represents an operational change, but is also part of a broader development in the Werra-Meißner-Kreis, where the number of agricultural businesses has dropped by 131 from 2009 to 2024, which corresponds to a decrease of 14 percent, such as HNA reported.

The challenges in front of which the Klenkes are facing are diverse. Tobias Klenke is now working as a technical employee at the University of Kassel, while Elzbieta Klenke works as a school assistant at the social company Weadi. This professional reorientation was mostly fueled by increased bureaucracy and additional requirements in the agricultural sector, which significantly increase the workload for farmers. In addition, the changes in social security law for seasonal workers led to an increase in operating costs. Klenke used to employ up to twelve seasonal workers; He reduced this number to four to minimize the financial burdens.

economic challenges and risks

The Klenkes complain about the unplannable of their company due to frequent exams and possible additional payments to social security. These uncertainties put pressure on profitability. The changed evaluation of the seasonal workers has increased wages, which further endangers the economic situation of the Klenkes. "We hope that this article will help to draw attention to the problems of agricultural family businesses," says Tobias Klenke.

Overall, the decline in the main business in the Werra-Meißner district is alarming: in the past 15 years, their number has reduced a fifth. However, the Klenkes have decided to continue their company in the sideline and want to grow grain and arable beans in the future.

Appeal for support for agriculture

A central point in the statements of the Klenkes is your call to politics and society to provide more support for domestic agriculture. "We also want to offer future generations a perspective," said the couple. This appeal falls at a time when many farmers face similar challenges. Experts recommend that farmers should use tax advice at an early stage in the event of longer loss phases or new start -ups. This helps to secure losses and to develop concepts to return to the profit zone, such as notes today noted.

Another important aspect is the need for a cooperative cooperation between tax and business advice. Business managers must be ready to rethink operational processes in order to be able to successfully meet the challenges of the industry. These new circumstances require a rethink, both in financial and operational.

The situation of the Klenke is an example of the increasingly precarious situation of many agricultural companies in the region and represents an appeal to everyone who wants to support domestic agriculture.