Workers will now be shielded from radiation hazards due to the Commission's new directive on safeguarding labor forces from ionizing radiation exposures.

The German government has unveiled a series of measures aimed at supporting the agricultural and horticultural industry, as announced by Federal Minister of Agriculture Alois Rainer (CSU) at the Karpfhamer Festival.

One of the key measures includes the reintroduction of the agricultural diesel refund, which was abolished by the current traffic light government. The refund, set to be reinstated at a rate of 21.4 cents per litre in September, will apply directly to agriculture and not to restaurants or accommodations run by the same company.

This move is seen as at least a partial compensation for the higher minimum wage, a concern for the industry, which fears it may threaten domestic production of fruit, vegetables, and wine. The relief on social security contributions is intended to help the industry cope with this increase.

In addition, the federal government has adopted a draft law from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) to allow farmers to employ seasonal workers for 90 days without social security contributions, starting from 2026. This move is expected to provide much-needed support to the industry, particularly during peak season.

The law, which is focused on increasing the self-sufficiency of agricultural products in Germany, also aims to increase the self-sufficiency rate for these products. The SPD Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Barbara, supports the law as a means to increase self-sufficiency in food.

While the union and the SPD have yet to present a revised version of the animal husbandry labelling law to simplify its implementation, the reintroduction of the agricultural diesel refund and the extension of short-term employment are part of the government's immediate programme, along with several other measures.

Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil has agreed to the reintroduction of the agricultural diesel refund, a fulfillment of another promise from the coalition agreement. The agricultural and horticultural industry has welcomed the planned relief on social security contributions in advance.

These measures are a step towards ensuring the sustainability and growth of the agricultural sector in Germany, a crucial component of the nation's economy and food security.