Farmers’ Protests in Germany: Exploring Participation, Support, and Reasons

Abstract In the winter of 2023/2024, farmers protested across Europe. German farmers opposed plans to abolish tax reliefs for agricultural diesel and vehicles. Although the financial impact on individual farms appears manageable, the protests reflected broader dissatisfaction within the sector. Based on an online survey of over 300 German farmers, we analyze factors correlating with participation and support. We assess estimated additional costs from the tax cuts, satisfaction with the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), farm and farmer characteristics, and protest reasons. Grouping farmers by participation and support reveals differences in cost estimates, farm size, and full-time farming. Regression results suggest participation and support across farm types and sizes. While the financial impact is widely overestimated, it correlates neither with participation nor support. Higher CAP satisfaction is associated with decreased protest support. Across the sample, key grievances include administrative burdens, low incomes, and imports, hinting towards deeper frustrations beyond immediate financial triggers.