The Tatort episode "Letzte Ernte" addresses issues that many fruit-growing businesses in Germany deal with daily: Economic pressure in production, challenges in plant protection, the shortage of seasonal workers, and the lack of prospects for farm successors. The film thus touches on key issues that shape the industry and rural areas as a whole.
© Hugo Huijbers | FreshPlaza.com
Jens Stechmann, Chairman of the Federal Fruit Growing Group
Latest episode causes uproar
"However, instead of taking a realistic look at these challenges, the film's portrayal of fruit production conveys a distorted and, in parts, factually incorrect picture. Both conventional and organic fruit production are presented in an exaggerated and, in some cases, biased manner. The blanket equation of plant protection with health hazards and criminal activity is completely unfounded. This form of exaggeration does not contribute to a more profound understanding of domestic fruit cultivation but rather deepens existing divides between agriculture and society," criticizes the Bundesfachgruppe Obstbau (Federal Fruit Growing Association) in a statement.
Demonization of an entire professional group
"We regret that a public broadcaster is using this program to promote one-sided prejudices instead of presenting the complex challenges of fruit cultivation in a differentiated manner. The millions of people in Germany who enjoy locally grown fruit every day deserve a picture that does justice to the reality in our orchards, and not the demonization of an entire professional group. The film thus misses the opportunity to make a constructive contribution to the social debate on sustainable and future-proof agriculture," the statement continues.
"Our farms are tackling the major challenges of our time, from protecting the environment and fair working conditions to regional supply and biodiversity. We work according to the strictest legal requirements, use state-of-the-art technology to minimize risks, and take responsibility for what we harvest and eat. We expressly invite the media to seek dialogue with us and learn about the reality of fruit cultivation, in a differentiated, fact-based manner and with respect for the people who produce our food every day."
For more information:
http://www.obstbau.org
