Some say that protesting is the national sport of France. They happen frequently I’ll tell you that.

But the most recent one now has global implications.

And for good reason.

The French farmer’s protest.

Farmers have been protesting for months demanding

Tractors blocked highways leading into Paris for two weeks. 

They’ve even crossed Parisian streets spraying manure on government buildings and dumping rotting produce.

Since then the French President, Emmanuel Macron, met union leaders and promised plans for the future of farming.

Those farmers want written proof of action. And they’re not taking the “we’ll get to it” brush-off.

Two issues in particular are important to the farmers:

Farms of all sizes just aren’t earning enough to make a living- they’re required to keep prices low.

That doesn’t mean their costs stay low.

Fuel’s not cheaper. Taxes aren’t lower. Inflation. Modernisation of equipment. Maintenance.

Sadly, environmental policies, such as the European Green Deal, are causing the most tension. 

The Green Deal is a plan to address climate change and environmental degradation while promoting economic growth and social equity. 

I’ve put a link to it down below.

The main goals are climate neutrality by 2050 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030.

These are amazing goals. 

So why get upset? 

Well when your country requires you to operate with restrictions that raise costs while having trade agreements like Mercosur for importing cheaper goods from countries whose farmers aren’t tied by the same restrictions…

How can they compete?

I’d be upset too.

Supermarkets which are also businesses trying to succeed are of course going to source cheaper products to sell at competitive prices.

How are they incentivised to keep it (mostly) local?

Stress and anxiety that go along with trying to make ends meet are all too common amongst farmers.

Some felt suicide was the only option.

When you think of France, of course you think wine and cheese. And even livestock.

They’re part of the history and cultural identity of the country.

Terroir. 

The concept that nutrients and composition of the land are essential to the variations in taste and texture of all products.

But what happens when farmers can’t make enough money to continue these traditions?

French farmers' unions have called off protests after the French government announced concessions in response to their demands. 

However, farmers in other European countries are expressing their dissatisfaction with EU agricultural policies as well.

The entire global economy is based on trade with other countries.

That’s the definition. 

What happens if countries don’t allow products from other countries to be sold in their stores?

Or if they’re required to sell them at prices that no longer make it profitable for them to continue trade?

There would be less variety in your stores with plenty of empty shelves. Restaurant suppliers wouldn’t be immune.

How many international restaurants are in your area that rely on importing specific ingredients?

Find producers in your area and purchase directly from them rather than from stores.

Think globally. Act locally. As the mantra goes.

When it no longer makes business sense for farmers to continue clean, organic practices, all that will be left on your plate are chemical-laden impersonations of real food.

Here’s a powerful reminder about the role of farmers written on a poster hanging on a tractor:

“Notre fin sera votre faim.” Our end will be your hunger.

P.S. I cropped the thumbnail image from a Wikipedia Commons photo. Here’s the URL.