Farmers across Europe are now reaching a crisis point. In unprecedented events, thousands have taken to the roads blocking major highways, surrounding government buildings in tractors, and dumping manure in public squares. These protests have swept countries from France and Poland to the Czech Republic, Ireland, and Germany.
Rising Costs and Falling Incomes Push Farmers Into Debt
One basic problem pushes farmers past their limit: money. Farmers face rising costs for fertilizer, fuel, feed, labor, and insurance. At the same time, the prices they receive for milk, grain, meat, or produce have fallen. Many report that they must choose between covering their costs or making a living.
A recent survey showed more than two-thirds of farmers said they earn less now than a year ago. Shockingly, nearly 70% said their product prices don’t allow for a sustainable profit margin. Many feel trapped in debt and worry about affording investments or even basic farm upkeep.
Heavy Green Rules and Bureaucracy Lose Support from Farmers
Another frequent complaint is the complexity of EU rules. Under the European Green Deal, farmers must follow strict limits on pesticide use, devote land to biodiversity, and meet climate targets like reducing nitrogen or fertilizer usage. Many find these rules hard to follow and costly to implement.
They say the Common Agricultural Policy the EU’s main subsidy program is too bureaucratic. Filling forms, meeting environmental criteria, and passing inspections takes time and money, with little visible benefit. Small and medium-sized farms struggle most, and many complain that support goes to larger operations.
Cheap Imports from Ukraine and South America Undercut European Markets
Free trade agreements and waived quotas have flooded EU markets with cheap imports especially from Ukraine and the Mercosur bloc in South America. Grain, sugar, meat, and fruit arrive at prices lower than what European farmers can produce. Farmers argue that these imports obey fewer environmental and labor rules.
Protests in Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, and the Netherlands focused on Ukrainian grain flooding the markets, while in France and Belgium, protests targeted the EU Mercosur trade deal. Many say this makes European farming uncompetitive and threatens their very livelihoods.
What Now for European Farming?
These tensions have forced EU leaders to pause or roll back parts of the Green Deal and environmental laws. For example, in Belgium and Italy, governments delayed restrictions on livestock and pesticide use. In France, lawmakers debated a bill to ease pesticide bans and water use rules drawing both support and fierce opposition.
At the same time, major proposals are underway to reform CAP funding and subsidize eco-friendly practices. One idea is a just transition fund to help farmers adopt sustainable techniques while staying financially viable. Another calls for simplified regulations and better support for generational farm transfers.
