AGCO Agriculture Foundation and AGCO/Fendt Donate to Nonprofits to Support Flood-hit Farmers and Communities in Germany
Organizations include Schorlemer Stiftung-Deutscher Bauernverband e.V and Stiftung BHD-Maschinenring Land.
DULUTH, Georgia, September 14th, 2021 - The AGCO Agriculture Foundation (AAF), a private foundation with the vision to prevent and relieve hunger through sustainable agricultural development, announced a 100,000 EUR donation to nonprofit organizations in Germany to support flood relief initiatives in AGCO's communities. Relief funding of 50,000 EUR each was donated to Schorlemer Stiftung-Deutscher Bauernverband e.V and Stiftung BHD-Maschinenring Land to help farmers recover from the devastating impact of the recent floods.
Metti Richenhagen, Director of the AGCO Agriculture Foundation
Recently, Western Germany and many parts of Europe experienced heavy rain which resulted in flash floods that destroyed farmland, crops, buildings and local agricultural infrastructures. With its deep commitment to farmers and AGCO’s local communities, the AGCO Agriculture Foundation is strengthening disaster relief initiatives for farmers and their farming communities.
"The recent flash flood situation in Germany put farmers’ livelihoods at risk, requiring immediate action and assistance to address the damaging consequences for our communities,” said Metti Richenhagen, Director of the AGCO Agriculture Foundation. "Through our donations in Germany, we aim to support farmers and farming communities as they restore their land and recreate a healthy environment for sustainable rural development, crop and livestock production."
Each nonprofit organization is committed to using the AAF donation to provide flood disaster relief throughout the impacted German regions.
DBV President Joachim Rukwied (3rd from right) visiting an affected winery
Schorlemer Stiftung-Deutscher Bauernverband e.V will use AAF funds towards a multimillion euro grant that assists any agricultural operation damaged by the flooding in July. The emergency fund will be allocated to every farmer who incurred damage. Farmers will work with consultants to apply for funds and invest in rebuilding their land and farming operations. Through the AAF donation, this emergency financial assistance will provide help for impacted farming families.
Stiftung BHD-Maschinenring Land will direct the AAF donation to lend agricultural machinery to farmers in Germany who were heavily affected by the flooding. Through the initiative "Maschinenringe Flood Aid," the fund will be used to aid farmers in reconstructing their farms, operations, and land while providing machines and technology to farmers in need. In addition to other relief efforts, the flood aid initiative is currently focused on supporting wine growers who have lost their agricultural equipment, experienced crop failure and those who need to prepare for the next grape harvest.
AGCO/Fendt donates supplies in response to the flooding disaster
Mobile workshop provided by the RWZ
In Germany, AGCO/Fendt and its local distribution partner, Raiffeisen Waren-Zentrale (RWZ) Rhein-Main, have coordinated with the regional crisis management team to support flood disaster relief efforts with diesel fuel, AdBlue and lubricants. Fendt tractors were also made available to help with flood emergency response. RWZ Rhein-Main is also in the disaster area with a mobile workshop to carry out repairs on-site.
Christoph Gröblinghoff, AGCO Vice President and Chairman of the AGCO/Fendt Management Board
"We were shocked by the devastating effects of the flood disaster in Germany, especially in our farming communities. Still, we were very touched by the support of the many farmers and volunteers from all over Germany," said Christoph Gröblinghoff, AGCO Vice President and Chairman of the AGCO/Fendt Management Board. "Since the flood incident, our farmers and contractors have been generously helping on-site and they deserve our gratitude and recognition."
Fendt's distribution partners, Willi Becker Landmaschinen and Kirwel Landtechnik, have continuously supported affected farmers with maintenance and repair of farm machines and offered special financing for farmers affected by the flood.
About AGCO Agriculture Foundation (AAF
The AGCO Agriculture Foundation (AAF), initiated by AGCO Corporation (NYSE: AGCO) in 2018, is a private foundation with the vision to prevent and relieve hunger. The foundation initiates impactful programs that support food security, foster sustainable agricultural development and build needed agricultural infrastructure in marginalized farming communities. AAF is domiciled in Vaduz, Liechtenstein and operations are managed from Duluth, Georgia, USA. For more information, please visit www.agcofoundation.org/
