Thu, 15 May 2008

Lawyers challenge media reports of police raid on Demeter-accredited farm

MUNICH (NNA) - Reports in the German media that unlicensed weapons had been confiscated from a Demeter-accredited farm have been challenged by lawyers acting for the farmer concerned.

The reports also claimed that large quantities of drugs had been found at the farm and that the farmer, Günter M.  had evaded taxes worth millions of euros.

Lawyers told NNA that only “a few weapons” had been found at the farm for which one of the residents held a license. The drugs finds related to “relatively small quantities of marijuana” for personal use.

The allegations of tax evasion had arisen as a result of disputes between Günter M.  and a former resident at the farm in which Günter M.  had been accused of withholding money from a company run by the former member. This money had also escaped the notice of the tax authorities.

The attention of the authorities had been drawn to these allegations by a number of civil court cases resulting from the forgery by the former member of his wife’s signature for which action had been taken against him.

The lawyers said it was unclear when the investigation would be concluded, and if and when Günter M. , who was being held in custody, would be charged.

Demeter has issued a statement saying that no breach of EU or Demeter regulations had occurred. According to information currently available, the charges related to business activities unconnected with Demeter, the organisation said.

However, Demeter under no circumstances condoned criminal activities and welcomed the rapid and comprehensive clarification of the circumstances by the judicial authorities.

With regard to media reports of authoritarian and sect-like structures on the farm, Demeter said that it was “not in a position to judge such reports”. The organisation neither investigated people’s personal attitudes nor did it regulate the structures and processes on farms.

However, the biodynamic method of farming with its anthroposophical basis “respects individual freedom and encourages acting in an ethically and spiritually responsible way.”

END/nna/jh/cva

Item: 080515-01EN Date: 15 May 2008

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