Three minority agricultural unions are calling on President Emmanuel Macron to implement the “floor prices” promised during his visit to the Agricultural Show, which they see as the “number 1 condition” to effectively address the ongoing agricultural crisis. The Coordination rurale, the Confédération paysanne, and the Mouvement de défense des exploitants familiaux (Modef) have come together to sign an open letter to the President. Despite their differences, these three unions aim to send a strong signal in the midst of a crisis and significant challenges.
During Macron’s controversial visit to the Agricultural Show at the end of February, he had set the objective of “floor prices” to protect agricultural income. The government has since stated its intention to strengthen the EGalim laws through future legislation to better consider the production costs of farmers and prevent them from selling at a loss. However, the issue of floor prices has seemingly been sidelined in recent government promises to address the crisis, according to the minority unions who view it as a crucial element for market regulation.
The minority unions argue that urgent market regulation tools such as guaranteed minimum prices, volume management, public storage, and control of agri-food industry and large distribution margins are essential to prevent crises and protect farmers from market volatility. They believe that an effective regulatory framework is necessary to ensure fair prices and stable incomes for agricultural producers. The majority unions and agricultural sectors have been critical of the concept of floor prices, citing concerns about the impact on French products in open markets.
Recently, the government opposed a proposal by environmentalists in the National Assembly for a minimum purchase price set by public agreement in agricultural sectors or by government decision in case of disagreement. This highlights the ongoing debate and differing perspectives within the agricultural sector and government regarding the best approach to ensuring fair incomes for farmers. The resistance to price regulation measures reflects broader concerns about the impact on competitiveness and trade relationships in the agricultural industry. Macron’s initial proposal for floor prices has sparked a contentious discussion on the balance between supporting farmers and maintaining market integrity.
The collaboration between the three minority agricultural unions demonstrates a unified front in demanding concrete action from the government to address the root causes of the crisis and ensure sustainable incomes for farmers. Their push for floor prices as a key element in market regulation reflects the need for comprehensive measures to stabilize agricultural incomes and prevent exploitation in the sector. The ongoing debate around pricing mechanisms and regulation highlights the complexity of balancing economic interests and social welfare in the agricultural industry.KEYWORDS: Macron, agriculture, unions, prices, regulation, crisis, income, market, government, farmers
