Foreign agricultural investors in Eastern Germany : a qualitative study of how they affect the local labour market

Sammanfattning: Foreign direct investment in agricultural land became more important in public discussions, whether in international dimensions or on the national level. This study focuses on the phenomenon of foreign agricultural investors being proactive in several regions in Germany, specifically in the former East Germany. These investors are often labelled with a less positive reputation in the public opinion and media. Different actors claim a political regulation of foreign investments in agricultural land to prevent negative effects and disadvantages on local farmers. This thesis investigates the employment effects of such foreign agricultural investors on the local labour market in different regions in Eastern Germany. To find results answering the research question two qualitative approaches are implemented. A survey about private foreign investors in agriculture and their attitudes towards farm employment has been conducted. Additionally, a case study was implemented that investigates listed agricultural firms, respectively farms that are identified as foreign investing agricultural firms in Eastern Germany. Effects of quantitative and qualitative changes in local employment were investigated. Assumptions about positive employment effects through activities of foreign agricultural investors could be confirmed. The firms that have been investigated showed an outstanding interest in employing local workers, offered seminars and training for their employees and were mainly active in social and public activities, and civic engagement.