Born in 1951. Kiel (Schleswig-Holstein). Degree in agricultural engineering. Farmer. Former President of the European Council of Young Farmers. Former member of the Bureau of the Schleswig-Holstein Youth Association. Since 1989 Member of the CDU Regional Executive. Since 1997, Deputy Chairman of the regional executive of the Schleswig-Holstein CDU. 1998-2000, Member of the federal executive of the CDU. 1992-2002, Chairman of the CDU federal committee on agricultural policy. Since 2001, Chairman of the German Animal Breeders' Federation. Sept. 1996 – Feb. 1997, Chairman of the Temporary Committee of Inquiry into BSE. Since 2004, Standing Rapporteur on Policy Challenges and Budgetary Means of the enlarged Union 2007-2013. General Rapporteur of the next Multiannual Financial Framework of the EU after 2013. MEP since 1989.