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LH Mikl-Leitner emphasized “working together” to save the sugar factory
St. Pölten (OTS / NLK) – The continuous operation of the Agrana plant in Leopoldsdorf is assured from today until 2021. This was announced by the Supervisory Board of Agrana Beteiligungs-AG. Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner and Federal Minister Elisabeth Köstinger shared with representatives of Agrana Beteiligungs-AG and Ernst Karpfinger, president of Austria’s beet growers, reported on the pact to save national sugar at a press conference.
“Today is a very important day for all agriculture,” said Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner, adding:
“Right now there is a lot of talk about wishes and packages. Today the wish is real for the Leopoldsdorf sugar factory to continue to exist ”. This is only possible because there is mutual cooperation. Securing the Leopoldsdorf sugar factory is a clear commitment to agriculture, farmers, local food production and security of supply in the state, the governor said.
The alliance to save sugar includes, on the one hand, a re-cultivation bonus, the increase of the cultivation areas to more than 38,000 hectares and the safeguarding of the Leopoldsdorf site. “Those who support our farmers must ensure that the framework conditions are right. We do that and with it we make successful agriculture possible ”, stressed Mikl-Leitner. When you think about the crisis in Corona, you see above all “the great importance of local products and that awareness of local food has increased. We still want national sugar and no sugar imports ”; Governor Mikl-Leitner said. He is pleased that the factory has been able to continue to exist, because not only have more than 150 jobs been secured, but the livelihoods of more than 150 families have been saved.
For Federal Minister Elisabeth Köstinger, “the supply of sugar from Austria by local farmers was successful in one effort.” Especially since beet production has deteriorated in the past, on the one hand as a result of climate change and on the other hand due to pests. “Together we have managed to finalize the pact to save national sugar. In a joint effort, we have once again increased the beet acreage to more than 38,000 hectares. The farms have thus laid the foundation stone to maintain the location in Leopoldsdorf. Along with this success, we are not only stabilizing the beet crop in Austria, but we are also making a significant contribution to securing our own sugar supply. “
Erwin Hameseder, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Agrana Beteiligungs-AG, said he was happy that the path to politics had paid off: “Today’s decision shows what can be achieved when business and political leaders work together. Together we managed to preserve valuable jobs and national added value. In particular, due to the increase in the sugar beet growing area in 2021, today’s decision of the Supervisory Board to proceed with the Leopoldsdorf sugar factory is very good news. “
Agrana-Beteiligungs-AG Managing Director Johann Marihart added: “We are pleased to have been able to contract the beet growing area of more than 38,000 hectares with the beet growers at this initial stage to use the two Austrian sugar factories. There are not many crops where there is a guaranteed price, a guaranteed purchase and protection against failure. “
The chairman of the Austrian beet growers, Ernst Karpfinger, was relieved by the decision of the Supervisory Board:
“A special thanks to the politicians who, with the agreed pact, give farmers a guarantee that they will be given financial support in the event of a necessary re-cultivation after an infestation and who are committed to protecting plants. I am proud of our members, because through their greater willingness to cultivate, they have demonstrated the cohesion of the cooperative in difficult times. “
LH MP Stephan Pernkopf is also pleased with the positive outcome of the negotiations: “Farmers in Lower Austria are saving Vienna sugar and jobs at the Marchfeld factory, which is a great achievement for all over the country and for self-sufficiency with local food. “
The President of the Lower Austrian Chamber of Agriculture, Johannes Schmuckenschlager, emphasized: “Plant protection is an important tool. The approval and availability of effective pesticides is required to safeguard Austrian production and thus ensure the supply of high quality domestic sugar. I would like to thank the Federal Government for its clear commitment to comprehensive crop protection in arable agriculture. “
Agrana works council chairman Thomas Buder was equally pleased and finally appealed to the economy and consumers not only to look at the price, but to prefer local products.
Queries and contact:
Lower Austrian Provincial Government Office
Directorate of the State Office / Public Relations
Philipp Hebenstreit
02742 / 9005-13632
rush@noel.gv.at
www.noe.gv.at/presse
