In response to weeks of nationwide protests and demands from farmers, French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has pledged to bolster a law aimed at ensuring fair prices for agricultural producers. The promises come as Attal seeks to address the grievances of farmers who have been protesting rising costs, stringent regulations, and the influx of cheap imports. Attal emphasized the crucial role of farmers in society, stating, “There is no country without farmers, no France without agriculture.”
The protests in France are part of a broader global movement highlighting concerns over the economic and social transition in response to climate change. Farmers across the EU's largest agricultural producer have been demonstrating against various challenges they face. In a bid to quell the protests, the French government made concessions costing over €400 million this year, prompting farmers to lift their blockades of highways across the country in early February.
Attal’s recent commitments aim to prevent a resurgence of protests ahead of the annual agricultural fair in Paris this weekend, a key event in the political calendar where officials traditionally show support for the farming community. The Prime Minister outlined new measures, including a draft bill to update laws governing fair pricing with food producers and retailers, reductions in inheritance tax and social security contributions for farmers, and expedited subsidy payments. Additionally, changes in the assessment of pesticide usage are also on the government's agenda.
The financial implications of these pledges are yet to be fully evaluated, as the government concurrently searches for spending cuts to meet deficit reduction goals amid sluggish economic growth. Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire indicated a tougher stance on companies flouting pricing regulations, with recent checks revealing violations by major food producers and retailers. Le Maire warned of substantial fines for European centralized purchasing hubs found in breach of French laws.
This latest round of commitments follows earlier promises by Attal for increased fiscal support, efforts to combat unfair competition, and enhanced scrutiny of product origins. The government has also reaffirmed its opposition to the EU-Mercosur trade deal and paused plans to reduce pesticide usage. These combined actions reflect the French government's determination to address farmers' concerns and stabilize the agricultural sector.