On Monday October 5th, Dr. Gerd Müller, Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development visited the Fendt site in Marktoberdorf together with Martin Richenhagen, Chairman, President and CEO of the AGCO Corporation. Here they also talked about a joint project in Africa.
“Agriculture is a growth industry” Federal Minister Gerd Müller meets Martin Richenhagen at Fendt
On Monday October 5th, Dr. Gerd Müller, Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development visited the Fendt site in Marktoberdorf together with Martin Richenhagen, Chairman, President and CEO of the AGCO Corporation. Here they also talked about a joint project in Africa.
Dr. Gerd Müller, Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development
Drought, water shortages and growing demand for food are constantly calling for new approaches and ideas in agriculture. “The agricultural and food industries are growth industries, especially against the background of the growing world population”, says Dr. Gerd Müller. These factors pose challenges for both technology and politics. After all, both sides must work together to ensure food security in the future. Federal Minister Müller grew up on a dairy in Schwaben and considers agriculture to be one of the most important sectors of the future. “Nutrition is a central issue that unites all people. Everyone needs food, and developments such as drought-resistant plants, but also technology and the responsible use of resources are crucial”, say Dr. Gerd Müller.
The development of one specific region is particularly close to the politician’s heart – Africa. AGCO has been involved here for a long time in projects like “Farm in a box”. Therefore he reached an agreement with Martin Richenhagen on a joint agricultural project in Africa. For Dr. Gerd Müller, a successful strategy for a world without hunger includes not only the right technical equipment but also high-quality training. During his visit to the transmission and tractor factory in Marktoberdorf, he was enthusiastic about the innovations and high-tech solutions in production and development, but also about high-quality training. "Fendt has conquered markets worldwide. It is a stroke of luck that the course for this development has been appropriately set at the top and gives young employees a perspective for the future," praised the Federal Minister Martin Richenhagen, who has led the fortunes of AGCO for the past 16 years and who will be passing on his position as Chairman, President and CEO of the AGCO Corporation to the current COO Eric Hansotia at the end of the year.
(l.t.r.) Dr. Gerd Müller and Martin Richenhagen
“A Fendt was expensive even back then. But the price-performance ratio is decisive and this is where Fendt leads”, said the Federal Minister. For him, economic success also includes a moral and ethical responsibility. That is why he supports the Supply Chain Act: “Fair wages must be paid troughout the entire supply chain. This will set important signals for the future.”
Martin Richenhagen confirmed that AGCO stands behind this demand. “We support the supply chain initiative strongly and gladly.”
(l.t.r.) Brigitte Richenhagen, Martin Richenhagen (Chairman, President and CEO AGCO), Ekkehart Gläser (Managing Director Production), Dr. Gerd Müller vistied with Peter Bebersdorf (Manager Fendt tractor factory) the Fendt tractor factory
Christoph Gröblinghoff, Chairman of the AGCO/Fendt Management Board (right) hands over a Fendt Modell to Dr. Gerd Müller (left)
