"This is Not a Farm": European Coalition Calls for Farm Policy Reforms

Strategic Insights -

A coalition of farmer groups, environmental organizations, and citizens across Europe is pushing for reforms in the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to address the growing concerns of intensive agriculture and corporate consolidation. The issue is not just about fairness to farmers but also about the environmental and climate implications of the current system. The coalition's efforts coincide with new proposals to return sustainability and food sovereignty to the heart of EU agricultural policy.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 100,000 citizens across Europe are backing the call for CAP reforms.
  • The current subsidy system rewards intensive agriculture at the expense of small and sustainable farms, with over five million farms disappearing across the EU since 2005.
  • 80% of CAP funds go to just 20% of recipients, leaving small-scale farms underfunded and unsustainable.
  • Polling shows up to 70% of farmers in Spain, Italy, and Poland feel forgotten by policymakers, despite expressing pride in their work and support for environmental action.
  • The coalition is calling for fair prices for farmers, stronger market regulation, and greater support for small and medium-sized farms over industrial agribusiness.
  • They are also advocating for just transition to agroecology to protect soil health, climate, biodiversity, and food sovereignty.
  • The reforms are essential for securing farmers' futures and delivering on the EU Green Deal, ensuring that Europe's food system supports climate, nature, and communities alike.

Statistics:

  • Over 100,000 citizens across Europe are backing the call for CAP reforms.
  • 80% of CAP funds go to just 20% of recipients.
  • 25% of the funding goes to small-scale farms, which represent over two-thirds of all farms in the European Union.
  • Only 8% of farms in the EU are labeled as "mega-farms," but they receive 37% of direct funding available.
  • Since 2005, over five million farms have disappeared across the EU.
  • Up to 70% of farmers in Spain, Italy, and Poland feel forgotten by policymakers, despite expressing pride in their work and support for environmental action.

Sources:

  • European Coordination Via Campesina (ECVC)
  • WeMove Europe
  • European Alliance for Regenerative Agriculture (EARA)
  • https://www.notfarming.com
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