In recent months, the agricultural landscape in Europe and the United States has been tumultuous, marked by widespread farmer protests against policies such as Net Zero and Agenda 2030.
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EU farmers protests
Farmers protests, fueled by concerns over government control and corporate influence, have shed light on the challenges faced by small-scale farmers in an increasingly industrialized food system.
Across Europe, from Brussels to the farmlands of Poland and beyond, farmers are taking to the streets to make their voices heard.
The farmers’ protests in Poland began on February 9, 2024. These demonstrations were triggered by policies outlined in the European Green Deal. The importation of Ukrainian grain into Poland and the wider European Union also fueled their grievances because it undercuts their prices. Various groups, including beekeepers, farmers, truckers, and foresters, participated in the protests, with nearly all farmers’ unions supporting the cause, yet it has hardly gained any media attention. With over 70% of the Polish population standing in solidarity with them, the protests have gained significant momentum. Polish farmers, in particular, are planning strikes that showcasing their unwavering commitment to the cause.
French farmers have also taken to the streets in protest. Their concerns include free-trade deals that they believe are negatively impacting their bottom line. Additionally, they express dissatisfaction with environmental rules that affect their agricultural practices, and rising energy and input costs. The collapse in actual prices received for their products has further strained their profit margins. Polls show that 89% of the French people support the farmers. Despite this, they are getting surprisingly little media coverage and many outlets are calling them “far right” and “extremists.”
These protests reflect common grievances shared by farmers across the EU. Similar to France, the Netherlands has witnessed a surge in farmer protests. The rise of an angry Farmers’ Party in the Netherlands and protests in Brussels have drawn attention to the plight of Dutch farmers. Their concerns align with those of farmers in other countries, including issues related to subsidies, energy costs, and market dynamics.
German farmers are angered by the government’s plans to slash agricultural subsidies. These subsidy cuts have led to widespread discontent among farmers, who rely on these financial supports for their livelihoods.
Impact on small farms in Oregon
The scope of these protests extends beyond Europe, with farmers in the United States facing similar challenges. In Oregon, new regulations targeting local producers threaten to drive small farmers into bankruptcy.
More Details On Oregon Shutting Down Family Farms & Going After Small Farmers Selling Food To Their Neighbors
— Wall Street Apes (@WallStreetApes) March 27, 2024
– Government using satellite imagery to pinpoint farms to target
– Government hotline for neighbors to report
“Oregon lawmakers are rewording their laws to effectively… pic.twitter.com/ZGxozY5rLp
Oregon lawmakers are rewording their Water Rights and Restrictions to effectively treat small local farms the same as like a large farming operation on a commercial scale. The financial burden of compliance with these regulations is particularly harsh for farmers who already struggle to make ends meet.
Their government has also set up a hotline, so that your neighbors can call and rat on you for watering the vegetables and fruit, that you’re gonna go sell at the farmer’s market next weekend.
According to these regulations, all water is considered a publicly-owned resource in Oregon. Property owners must obtain government approval for various water uses. While some exemptions allow for using up to 5,000 gallons a day for commercial or industrial purposes, irrigation is not included in these exemptions.
In the state of Oregon, if you are using water, even groundwater, the only water that you can legally harvest and use without a permit is actually rainwater. Even if you have a private well on your property, that water belongs to the people of Oregon, and they claim you are using it for commercial purposes therefore you have to have a permit.
Because of these new regulations, Oak Song Farm, located near Eugene, faced a significant setback. For seven years, they used well water to grow vegetables, which they sold at farmers’ markets and to neighbors. However, in September 2023, they received a letter stating that they couldn’t irrigate their commercial crops without a water right. This unexpected notification essentially destroyed their business. The frustration lies in the fact that they were using fewer than 1,000 gallons daily for agriculture, not overusing water or land.
The Oregon Water Resources Department sent similar letters to other farms in the Southern Willamette Valley.
They make use of satellite imagery and aerial photography to identify potential violations and also set up a hotline, so that your neighbors can call and rat on you for watering the vegetables and fruit that you’re gonna go sell at the farmer’s market next weekend.
The situation has left small farmers and gardeners in limbo, struggling to provide for their communities while navigating water rights regulations.
The Heart of the Issue
At the core of these protests lies a deep-seated fear of losing control over one’s livelihood. Farmers worry that policies like Agenda 2030 will strip them of their autonomy, placing their fate in the hands of government agencies and large corporations. The consequences are dire, with increased taxes, canceled subsidies, and extreme regulation pushing small-scale farmers to the brink of extinction.
Fighting for Fairness
The unfair competition posed by imported agricultural produce further exacerbates the challenges faced by local farmers. The EU’s decision to waive quotas and duties on imports from countries like Ukraine undercuts domestic prices, making it difficult for small-scale farmers to compete. This imbalance not only threatens the economic viability of local farms but also undermines the integrity of the food system as a whole.
A Call to Action
As consumers, we have a responsibility to stand in solidarity with farmers and advocate for policies that support small-scale agriculture.
By raising awareness about the issues they face and supporting initiatives that promote fair and sustainable food systems, we can make a difference.
Let’s lend our voices to the chorus of those fighting for a future where farmers can thrive and feed their communities.
