Protests by farmers gather momentum around the world
BEIJING. – Inflation, foreign competition and the rising costs of protecting the environment are just some of the reasons for growing unrest in the world’s agriculture industry. As farmer protests continue to gather momentum around the world, see what they are fighting for in 2024, as policies change and prices rise.
Angry farmers have been protesting across Europe over rising costs, high fuel prices, bureaucracy and the environmental requirements in the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy.
Spanish farmers are also protesting low prices for their produce and the lack of financial aid to the sector.
The unions are planning a huge rally in front of the agriculture ministry on February 21, and will rally again in Madrid on February 26 to coincide with the meeting of EU agriculture ministers in Brussels.
Often referred to as Europe’s vegetable garden, Spain is one of the bloc’s leading producers of salad, fruit and vegetables but its farms have suffered from a long-running drought in the Iberian Peninsula for the past three years. INDIA
After massive protests in 2021 shut down much of New Delhi, Indian farmers say the government still hasn’t met some of their key demands, including a doubling of farmers’ income, and loan waivers. Tens of thousands of protesters are vowing to renew the movement and marching to demand guaranteed crop prices.
FRANCE
French farmers say they are not being paid enough while being the EU’s largest agriculture producer. Food price negotiations amid inflation are at the center of their protests. French President Macron is pushing back against recent EU trade talks with Latin American countries. The farmers also say excessive environmental protection regulation is harming their livelihood.
POLAND
Polish farmers oppose grain arrivals from neighboring Ukraine, which have pushed the government into negotiations. Imports from Ukraine to the EU have been free of duties since Russia began its military operation in 2022. The imports are resented for putting pressure on prices while not meeting the same environmental standards required of EU farmers.
EUROPEAN UNION
Farmers say the 27-nation EU’s policies make their products more expensive than non-EU imports and have been protesting in Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Romania and other countries. The EU’s executive arm ditched an anti-pesticide proposal last week after protests shut down many capitals.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says she is working with the agriculture industry to fight the discontent. GERMANY
German farmers rallied against cuts to subsidies for their diesel fuel, which they say will result in their bankruptcy.
UNITED STATES
Farmers argue that large corporations are pricing them out. As production costs hit record heights in 2023, American farmers came under increased financial strain to maintain operations.
NETHERLANDS
Dutch farmers raged against plans to curb nitrous oxide pollution from the country’s large scale livestock farming system. In June, the Netherlands announced a target to halve emissions of nitrogen-related gasses by 2030. Farmers argue other high-polluting industries such as aviation have not been subject to such severe curbs at such speed.
GREECE
Farming unionists have threatened to block roads throughout the country to protest high production costs, which the Greek government says it will try to reduce.