Macron is working on higher farmers' wages

Being able to live off your agricultural business, that's what French President Macron says he is going to achieve. The first important step will be taken in Paris on Thursday 20 July. With the launch of the long-awaited 'États généraux de l'alimentation' (EGA), consultations and an attempt at reconciliation in a torn French food chain begin.

The Common Agricultural Policy, the trade relations between producers, processors and distributors resulting from the modernization law in 2008, the price war that has lasted for three years between retailers and a consumer who is used to low prices and no longer wants to pay: That is what the French food chain is looking for points when it comes to the ever-tightening margins. 

Reconcile, organize and improve​
The intention of the EGA is to get everyone involved around the table, an operation that will last until 14 November. Reconciling, organizing and improving are the key words here. And that is being taken seriously. Already on the first day, more than 500 participants are planned, including the French president and the prime minister. The participants consist of ministries, economists, advocacy groups and other organizations and experts. The parties must ultimately reach agreement by means of speeches, workshops and an online platform.

The first part will be devoted to 'dividing the added value of agricultural products fairly between farmers, industry and retail'. The second part of the project will start in September, where the promotion of healthy and sustainable food is on the agenda, as well as environmental issues.

Warrior for farmers
President Macron introduced the plan of an EGA during the elections, putting Agriculture at the top of the political agenda. In his meteoric rise as a presidential candidate, Macron has emerged as a fighter for the peasantry. Impressive amounts, radical reforms and risk management tools are the way to help the ailing sector, Macron says.

5 billion
Macron's election promises stated that 5 billion euros should be spent on innovation in the agricultural sector and another 200 million euros to meet environmental requirements. Loans without guarantees for young farmers, reform of the CAP and more attention to risk management are also among Macron's points of interest. 

Helping hand
Figures from the MSA, the Social Security Service for Farmers, show that the agricultural sector could use a helping hand. They calculated that last year half of French farmers earned less than 350 euros per month. What changes Macron and his États généraux de l'alimentation can achieve is expected to become clear in mid-December.

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