The European Countryside in Crisis: An Uncertain Future

European farmers are at a crossroads. Los low prices, lack of profitability, climate change, the green transition and unfair competition are just a few of the challenges facing the industry. This situation has generated protests in several countries, highlighting the need to take urgent measures to ensure a sustainable future for the European countryside.

It should be noted that one of the main problems faced by European farmers is the low price of their products. According to a study by the European Commission, agricultural prices have fallen by 20% in the last ten years, while production costs have increased by 15%. This situation is due to different factors:

• Competition from third country products: Countries such as Brazil, Argentina or China have lower production costs because of the low cost of labor and state subsidies.
• Market volatility: Agricultural prices are highly volatile and can vary considerably from year to year. This makes it difficult for farmers to plan their production and make a stable profit.
• Concentration of power in the food chain: A small number of large companies control most of the food chain, allowing them to set low prices for farmers.

Therefore, the profitability of agricultural farms is decreasing. In addition, production costs, such as fuel, fertilizers, machinery and labor, have increased considerably in recent years, while the prices of agricultural products have remained stagnant. In 2023, 40% of European farms did not make enough profits to cover their production costs. This situation is causing young people to abandon the countryside, putting the future of the sector at risk.

We must also bear in mind that climate change is having a very significant impact on European agriculture. Droughts, floods and heat waves are becoming more frequent and intense, affecting food production. It is estimated that climate change could reduce European agricultural production by up to 20% in 2050. This represents a serious threat to food security in Europe, from where measures are already being promoted for a transition to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture. This transition involves reducing the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, the adoption of more efficient agricultural practices and the protection of biodiversity. However, this process is complex and requires investment and support from administrations. European farmers need help to adapt to the new requirements of sustainable production.

Protests as a cry for help: a cry for urgent change.

There is great inequality in the European agricultural sector. A small number of large farms account for the majority of public aid and profits, while small and medium-sized enterprises are at a disadvantage. In 2022, 10% of the largest European farms received 40% of public aid. This situation is causing the concentration of the sector in a few hands and the disappearance of small family farms.

European farmers have taken to the streets in several countries to express their dissatisfaction with the current situation. These protests demand action by governments to:

• Improve the sector's profitability: increasing the prices of agricultural products, reducing production costs and supporting marketing.
• Protect them from foreign competition: apply tariff and non-tariff measures to prevent unfair competition from products from third countries.
• Supporting the green transition: provide funding and technical advice to farmers so that they can adapt to new sustainable agricultural practices.
• Reduce Inequality: to redistribute public aid in a more equitable way and to support small and medium-sized farms.

What can we do?

The future of the European countryside is in our hands. If we want to ensure a sustainable future for agriculture, we all need to take action.

But not only are individual actions enough, but it is also essential that measures be taken at the political and business levels, such as:

• Reforming the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP): The CAP is the main policy of the European Union in the field of agriculture. Agile reform is needed to be fairer, more sustainable and effective.
• Promote innovation in the agricultural sector: Innovation is essential for the agricultural sector to be more competitive and sustainable. It is necessary to invest in research and development to develop new technologies and agricultural practices.
• Encourage collaboration between different actors in the agricultural sector: Governments, businesses, farmers and consumers must work together to find solutions to the challenges facing the sector.

To face these challenges, a comprehensive and coordinated response is required on the part of all the actors involved. As we have seen, improving the profitability of farms, adapting to climate change, promoting a transition to more sustainable practices and reducing structural inequality are some of the necessary measures to ensure a more prosperous future for the European agricultural sector.

Ultimately, the fate of our fields and restaurants is intrinsically linked to the success of these initiatives. Only through strong commitment and concerted action can we overcome current challenges and build a more just, sustainable and resilient food system for generations to come.

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