A plea for ethical and sustainable agriculture

The recent anger of farmers, whether in Belgium, France or other countries, highlights the difficulties facing our food system. Let's listen to what local producers have to say, and take concrete steps towards a fairer, more transparent and environmentally-friendly agricultural future.

Causes :

1. Economic pressures: Belgian farmers face economic pressures, linked to the high costs of agricultural technologies, pesticides and infrastructure. These pressures are exacerbated by farmers' weak bargaining power vis-à-vis agribusiness and retailers, who impose low prices.
2. Agricultural policies and liberalization: Agricultural policies that are sometimes unfavorable to small farms and trade liberalization create unfair competition with foreign producers, affecting the profitability of local farms.
3. Precarious social conditions: Belgian farmers face difficult working conditions, characterized by very long working days and modest incomes, reinforcing their social vulnerability.

Consequences :

1. Disappearance of small farms : Economic and political pressures have led to the rapid disappearance of small farms in Belgium, accentuating dependence on large monocultures.
2. Impact on the local economy: The decline in the number of farms has repercussions on the local economy, affecting rural employment and the economic diversity of regions.
3. Social crisis: Economic difficulties and precarious working conditions generate a social crisis among farmers, affecting their mental and physical well-being.

Concrete solutions

- Financial Support and Fair Distribution: Let's advocate for more subsidies and financial incentives to relieve farmers. Let's promote fair distribution rather than food overproduction.
- Market Regulation and Fair Prices: Let's develop tools to control unfavorable free-trade agreements and force agribusiness to pay farmers fairly.
- Inclusion of farmers in political negotiations: Let's strengthen farmers' bargaining power by including them more fully in political negotiations.
- Harmonizing laws and putting the environment first: Let's put the environment at the heart of agriculture by harmonizing laws and encouraging sustainable practices like agroforestry.

What can you do?

- Explore content from committed Instagram accounts such as As Bean, FIAN, FUGEA in Belgium and ECVC in Europe.
- Show your support for local agriculture by favoring short circuits and seasonal produce.
- Be informed about the origin of your food and pay a fair price to support a sustainable agricultural economy.
- Take part in the 1-month supermarket-free challenge, encouraging alternatives.

Together, let's commit to ethical, fair and environmentally-friendly agriculture. By making conscious choices in our consumption habits, we can contribute to positive change for our farmers and the future of our planet.