Overview

• The proposal would repeal the 2018 Stoffstrombilanzverordnung, which was introduced to curb nitrate pollution in German groundwater under EU pressure.
• Under the plan unveiled on June 24, farms above a certain size would no longer need to document annual nutrient inputs and outputs.
• The Agriculture Ministry estimates the move will save farmers roughly €18 million in administrative costs each year.
• Representatives of water management and environmental associations warn that removing the rule could increase nitrate levels without alternative safeguards.
• Rainer has pledged to develop a “bureaucracy-light alternative” to maintain environmental oversight after the regulation’s repeal.