The president of the FNSEA, Arnaud Rousseau, recently spoke at the General Assembly of the National Federation of Milk Producers about the need to support dairy farmers who are facing difficult circumstances, especially in the South-West of France. He emphasized the responsibility to address these issues openly and without taboo. At a press conference for the upcoming annual congress of the FNSEA, Rousseau also mentioned that the government should assist farmers who are struggling to exit the industry, even though he avoided using the term “social plan” due to its negative connotations. The ongoing decline in the number of farms in France, with nearly 100,000 farms lost between 2010 and 2020, raises concerns about the future of agriculture in the country.
The upcoming agricultural law, to be presented at a cabinet meeting on March 29th, aims to support the renewal of generations in farming. However, the target set by the Minister of Agriculture to install 150,000 new farmers within ten years has now been abandoned. The FNSEA advocates for the expansion of agricultural operations and larger livestock sizes as a means to increase productivity. The future of agriculture will likely be a topic of discussion at the FNSEA congress in Dunkirk, alongside the results of recent mobilization efforts and the upcoming European elections. The event will also shed light on the internal divisions within the agricultural sector and the various demands and priorities of different farming sectors.
The importance of the upcoming elections for agricultural chambers in January 2025 adds to the weight of the FNSEA congress in assessing the influence and unity of agricultural syndicates. The varied realities within the agricultural sector and diverse demands of different sectors create a complex landscape for the FNSEA to navigate. The organization aims to address the expectations and concerns of all members, despite the challenges of maintaining unity and coherence within the syndicate. The recent protests in the South-West region, initially outside the syndicate’s control, prompted the FNSEA to engage in negotiations with the government to address the issues raised by farmers.
The need for support and guidance for dairy farmers facing difficult situations, such as farm closures, is a pressing issue that requires attention at both the government and syndicate levels. The ongoing decline in the number of farms in France, coupled with the challenges of generational renewal and increasing productivity, underscores the need for strategic planning and support mechanisms for the agricultural sector. The upcoming FNSEA congress in Dunkirk will be a key moment for stakeholders to discuss and address these critical issues facing the agricultural industry in France. Despite internal divisions and varied demands, the FNSEA aims to advocate for the interests and concerns of all farmers as they navigate the changing landscape of agriculture in the country.
