Introduction: A Missed Opportunity for Agricultural Transition
The recent passage of France’s new agricultural orientation law aimed to address simmering tensions within the farming community, coinciding with the opening of the Paris International Agricultural Show. However, the law’s emphasis on broad principles and short-term measures has raised concerns that it may have missed a critical opportunity for initiating the sector’s ecological transition. Faced with declining yields, demographic challenges, and vulnerabilities to global competition, the agricultural sector urgently needs to shift gears.
Weaknesses of the New Law
Critics argue that the law’s ecological ambitions are insufficient. It fails to address the crucial issues of income and value distribution, which are central to the challenges facing farmers. Instead, it has succumbed to pressure from powerful agricultural unions, perpetuating an unsustainable agricultural model.
Furthermore, the law represents a step backward on environmental protection measures, decriminalizing certain offenses against protected species and omitting any mention of agroecological transition, despite overwhelming scientific consensus on its benefits. These include increased resilience, climate change mitigation, and sufficient food production.
A Disconnect from Reality
The law’s adherence to the demands of certain militant unions creates the illusion of a monolithic agricultural sector, one that is entirely dedicated to unsustainable production methods. However, a 2024 survey conducted by The Shift Project revealed that a vast majority of French farmers are aware of their vulnerabilities and are eager to embrace sustainable practices, given the necessary support and ecosystem.
Paths to Change
The levers for agricultural change are known and proven. Diversified farming systems, eliminating synthetic fertilizers, and reducing dependency on external inputs can lead to viable and sustainable operations. However, the transition to these practices requires strong political support, from education to securing markets and ensuring income stability.
Urgency of Transformation
Instead of indulging in the rhetoric of going back to obsolete practices, policymakers must prioritize initiatives that adapt to climate change, promote best practices, and provide clear and consistent direction. The recently adopted law fails to fulfill this role, despite its purported agricultural orientation.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity
In the face of growing social and political unrest, France remains far behind in addressing the legitimate concerns of farmers, who feel abandoned and inundated with conflicting mandates. A truly transformative agricultural orientation law would have empowered farmers with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to embrace sustainability. The one passed on February 20th merely bears the title, not the substance.
