Farmers across Europe, particularly in France, are embroiled in a struggle against selling produce at a loss amid steep cuts to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) budget, warn MEPs Valérie Deloge, Georgiana Teodorescu, and fellow signatories. Their parliamentary question targets the European Commission's strategy to safeguard agricultural incomes and farmers' bargaining power, a matter that directly impacts farmers, agri-food businesses, and national agricultural policies.
The question addressed to the Commission was jointly submitted on 8 October 2025 by a diverse group of MEPs from political groups including PfE, ECR, ESN, and NI. It highlights concerns over CAP budget reductions—specifically, a €2 billion cut for France—and falling average agricultural incomes projected to decline 28% between 2007 and 2027.
The document does not offer new measurable targets or budget increases but calls for the Commission's approach to ensuring fair remuneration through enhanced market transparency and regulatory measures. It stresses the importance of greater transparency of margins and improved regulation of agricultural markets, particularly given legislative efforts like the proposed mandatory written contracts and rules to strengthen farmers’ positions in supply chains.
Policy direction suggests strengthening EU regulation to redress power imbalances in agri-food chains, enhancing farmer bargaining power without increasing the current CAP budget allocations—reflecting a trade-off between fiscal restraint and income protection. The Commission’s ongoing review of unfair trading practices and upcoming proposals signals a cautious but deliberate move toward legal frameworks that disallow sales below production costs.
Stakeholders affected include EU farmers, who seek better revenue and market conditions; agri-food businesses facing stricter contractual obligations; national authorities tasked with CAP implementation and budget management; and EU taxpayers indirectly funding these policies. While farmers could benefit from improved contract fairness, businesses may face higher administrative burdens, and member states must balance budget constraints with policy goals.
The Commission is expected to respond within weeks, providing clarity on its stance and outlining forthcoming initiatives, including a possible revision of the Unfair Trading Practices Directive to enhance farmers’ income security and address market imbalances.