Roadsides and the entrances to European capitals are plastered with images of farmers and agricultural machinery blocking traffic, creating a scene reminiscent of a widespread rural uprising. These protests, which have spread to France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, and other countries, are not merely a passing outburst of anger, but a stark warning that the European Green Deal and trade challenges are placing unbearable pressure on the agricultural sector, threatening the livelihoods of thousands of rural families.
An objective analysis of the protests reveals that farmers are feeling the strain from multiple directions. First, the environmental restrictions imposed by the European Union (such as limiting herbicide use and reducing carbon emissions from livestock). While these are promoted as essential for the planet, farmers see them as effectively reducing their productivity and increasing production costs, making them uncompetitive with imported products that do not adhere to the same stringent standards. Second, the costs of agricultural inputs (fertilizers, fuel) have skyrocketed since the war in Ukraine, while government subsidies have not increased accordingly.
The main flashpoint has been the issue of imports from Ukraine. To facilitate Ukrainian exports under the Russian blockade, the European Union removed tariffs on Ukrainian products (such as grain and animal products). This measure flooded Eastern European markets with products significantly cheaper than domestic prices, driving down prices and causing losses for local farmers. Even after some restrictions were reinstated, the sense of injustice persisted, with European farmers feeling they were sacrificing their income for a foreign policy strategy from which they did not benefit.
This situation created a sharp conflict between environmental policy and economic reality. The "Green Deal" aims to make European agriculture more sustainable by 2030, but farmers argue that the targets are "exaggerated" and unrealistic. As a result of these protests, the European Commission was forced to withdraw or postpone some of its most controversial draft legislation, such as the law to reduce pesticide use by 50%. This retreat is considered a political victory for right-wing parties and agricultural protectionists, and a temporary setback for the environmental movement.
From a sustainability perspective, no one denies that agriculture is responsible for a significant portion of carbon emissions, and that the overuse of chemicals damages soil and water. But the path to green agriculture requires massive investments and accessible financing to modify practices, not just punitive laws. The solution lies in supporting farmers to purchase greener technologies, rather than imposing fines that bankrupt them.
Also, the issue of industrial harvesting and large traders versus small farmers is prominent. Government subsidies often go to wealthy farmers and large corporations, while small farmers remain the most affected by restrictions. The current protests are protests from the "forgotten" European countryside.
The crisis facing European farmers is a wake-up call that the green transition cannot succeed if it comes at the expense of the producers themselves. Agricultural policies must be rethought to be more equitable and balanced, so as not to sacrifice the environment, but also not to sacrifice food security and the livelihoods of millions. Europe needs green agriculture, but it also needs farmers who can live and thrive.
