Right-wing extremists tap into green movement

German consumers are being warned that when they buy organic produce they may be supporting the far-right movement.

Extremists in Germany have embraced the ecological movement and are using it to tap into a new generation of supporters.

Debunking the popular view that equates eco-friendliness with cuddly, left-leaning greens, right-wing extremists have even begun to publish their own conservation magazine, believed to have the backing of the far-right National Democratic Party (NPD).

Alongside gardening tips and reports on the dangers of genetically modified milk are articles riddled with right-wing ideology and racial slurs. Bavaria's domestic intelligence agency has described the magazine, Umwelt und Aktiv (Environment and Active), as a "camouflage publication" for the NPD.

"We have to get used to the fact that the term "bio" [organic] does not automatically mean equality and human dignity," said Gudrun Heinrich of the University of Rostock, who has just published a study on the topic called Brown Ecologists, a reference to Nazi Brownshirts and their modern-day admirers.

Hotbeds of far-right eco-warriors are to be found throughout Germany.

In the Mecklenburg region in the north, they have been quietly settling in communities since the 1990s in an effort to reinvigorate the traditions of the Artaman League - a farming movement with its roots in the 19th century romantic ideal of "blood and soil" ruralism, which was adopted by the Nazis. SS leader Heinrich Himmler was a member.

"They propagate a way of living which involves humane raising of plants and animals, is both nationalistic and authoritarian, and in which there's no place for pluralism and democracy," said Heinrich, adding that the NPD was closely linked to the settlers, helping the party become "deeply rooted in these rural areas".

The settlers produce "German honey", bake bread from homegrown wheat, produce fruit and vegetables for sale, and knit their own woollen sweaters.

Observers have noted the far-right farmers have been able to profit from the cheap and spacious swathes of land left by a population exodus from impoverished states in the former East Germany, such as Mecklenburg.

A representative of the Centre for Democratic Culture, in Roggentin in Mecklenburg, told the Suddeutsche Zeitung newspaper: "They want that people don't think about politics when they hear the word NPD.

"They want as far as possible to build subtle bridges into the lives of other citizens ... Ecological topics are becoming increasingly important for right-wing extremists."

The department of rural enlightenment in Rheinland Pfalz state has even produced a brochure called Nature Conservation versus Right-wing Extremism, to help organic farmers resist infiltration.

- OBSERVER