If while driving along the autobahn or otherwise enjoying Germany’s great outdoors you’ve noted the appearance of a large green cross in a field, the forces behind the proliferation of the symbol are already one step towards their goal.

The painted wooden crosses have been erected by farmers throughout the land to serve as a silent protest toward legislation having to do with agriculture and the environment. Among the measures agreed by the German cabinet at the beginning of September are those meant to curb the use of dangerous pesticides and regulate stall sizes for livestock.

While many farmers express an eagerness to adopt more earth and animal-friendly practices, a number of them view the cost of enacting these new policies as a threat to their livelihoods. Many believe the additional layers of bureaucracy and cost burden associated with the new regulations threatens the existence of family-run farms, and that new policies should be based on a mutual understanding of what is necessary and feasible.

The crosses do not represent any particular faction or political party. The force behind the idea is Willi Kremer-Schillings, a part-time farmer from North Rhine-Westphalia who blogs about agricultural issues under the name of “Bauer Willi,” or Farmer Willi.

The green cross movement is not without its critics, with some voices suggesting that large agrochemical companies protecting their own interests are lurking in the background.

According to an article in Der Tagesspiegel, co-initiator of the green cross-movement Gabriele Mörixmann estimates that some 10,000 such crosses currently stand in fields across the land. The press and the public have been paying attention. Whatever opinion one might have about Bauer Willi and his campaign, he has certainly succeeded in fostering a national conversation about modern agricultural practices, environmental protection issues and how this squares with the demands of citizens and consumers.