The agrarian crisis is unequal. The “tractor gangs” that burst into the streets across the continent a few months ago had small farmers as the main victims of a model, in full transformation, which above all threatens the survival of these agricultural operations and which is rethought by the institutions. and sector managers. But the bill is not the same for “megafarms”, which have multiplied in recent years, and for small farms, which are withering away.
The former increased by 56% between 2007 and 2022, according to data from a report prepared by Greenpeace, which indicates that small family farms decreased by 44%. The economic difference between the two is substantial. Large farmers (those whose production exceeds 250,000 euros) saw their average income increase by 84% while small farmers (those whose production does not reach 50,000 euros) saw their income decrease by 18%.
One of the main criticisms of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) system is that its distribution benefits “megafarms” which, although they represent only 8% of the total, absorb 37% of community funds, according to information from environmental organization. . One of the conclusions of the experts convened by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, within the framework of the “Strategic Dialogue on Agriculture” with which she intended to extinguish the protests, is precisely that there is a change in the distribution of the PAC.
“The CAP should provide income support based on the economic viability of farmers,” says the document which will serve as the basis for the sector roadmap Von der Leyen has committed to during the first 100 days of his mandate . The EU advisors’ approach also aims to promote “positive environmental, social and animal welfare outcomes for society” in this reformulation and to strengthen “favorable conditions for rural areas”. To this end, they committed to adequate funding which includes a “substantial annual increase” in the next two periods of the CAP, although during the negotiation of the text (in which were represented businessmen, organizations social, etc.) this was not the case. reached. close a specific percentage increase.
In terms of employment, the situation in the sector is also worrying. The disappearance of two million commercial farms has led to the loss of 3.8 million jobs while only 306,000 more people work on “megafarms” than before, according to Greenpeace data, which indicates a total reduction of employment by 38% over the 15 years analyzed. .
“It is becoming more and more difficult to manage a small family farm and make a living. The signals from the market, the financial sector and public subsidies are clear: make a fortune or go bankrupt. Genuine family farms risk disappearing, and with them jobs and other benefits for rural communities,” says Marco Contiero, director of European agricultural policy at Greenpeace: “Instead of blaming environmental measures, farmers “The “Governments and the EU must stop funding mega-industries” – farms that don’t need money and instead support farmers who are really struggling to stay afloat and want to help restore nature. »
