French protest over farm incomes


By FWi staff


FRENCH farmers took to the streets on Thursday (13 December) in protest at continuing pressure on farm incomes.


Despite new estimates from the ministry of finance showing a small overall income gain this year, farm unions say the situation is still grave for beef farmers, wine producers and cereal/oilseed growers.


For these sectors, incomes have fallen by 9%, 12% and 4% respectively. Arable farmers also suffered from the cuts in area aid for oilseeds and proteins, and poor spring weather.


“But it is all of French agriculture that feels doubt, despair and a sense of exclusion from the big economic and social advances enjoyed in other sectors,” said a Council of French Agriculture statement.


Not all French farming had a bad year. Sheep producers incomes rose 30% and pig and poultry incomes gained 18% and 8% respectively.


Overall, French farm incomes should climb almost 1% in real terms, as higher prices and increased subsidies have compensated for lower production and increased costs.


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