Gabriele Mörixmann estimates that there are now more than 10,000 green crosses nationwide. The farmer from Melle near Osnabrück is a co-initiator of the green crosses, along with seven other bloggers. “No one would have dared to hope that the response would be so great,” says the farmer’s wife. And she insists: “The green crosses stand for us – it shouldn’t come across as farmers would be against environmental protection, against animal welfare – in no way.”
Farmers face increasing pressure from consumers, retailers and politicians. Animal and nature conservationists are also demanding more and more conditions from agriculture, which the steadily declining number of farmers can hardly meet. The green crosses are a symbol – a message – against the high requirements and the low recognition.
Many farmers are disappointed with the farmers’ association and join other organizations to represent their interests. This also includes the “Association of Farming Family Businesses”. Its members held tractor demonstrations in inner cities to draw attention to their situation.