By French farmers are calling for the introduction of minimum prices for their produce, as they claim they are being exploited by big food companies and retailers. They say they are not getting a fair share of the value of their products, and they are struggling to cover their production costs. They are also unhappy with the current legislation, which they say is ineffective and insufficient. They are asking President Emmanuel Macron to support their cause, and to make it a priority in his agenda.
French farmers say they are facing a problem of low prices and high costs, which is threatening their livelihoods and their future. They say they are being squeezed by the big food companies and retailers, who dictate the prices and the conditions of their contracts, and who take a large margin of the value of their products. They say they have no bargaining power, and they have to accept the prices offered by the buyers, or risk losing their market.
They also say they are facing high costs of production, which are not reflected in the prices they receive. They say they have to comply with high standards of quality, safety, and environmental protection, which increase their expenses and reduce their competitiveness. They also say they have to cope with the volatility and unpredictability of the market, which expose them to risks and uncertainties.
They say they are not able to make a decent income, and they are not able to invest in their farms and their equipment. They say they are not able to attract and retain young and skilled workers, and they are not able to pass on their farms to the next generation. They say they are losing their dignity and their pride, and they are losing their hope and their passion.
The Solution of Minimum Prices and Fair Trade
French farmers say they want a solution of minimum prices and fair trade, which would guarantee them a fair and stable income, and which would enable them to produce quality and sustainable food. They say they want minimum prices that would cover their production costs, and that would be based on objective and transparent criteria. They say they want fair trade that would respect their rights and their interests, and that would ensure a balanced and equitable distribution of the value of their products.
They say they are not asking for subsidies or protectionism, but for justice and recognition. They say they are not against the free market, but for a regulated and fair market. They say they are not against the big food companies and retailers, but for a partnership and a dialogue with them.
They say they want President Macron to support their cause, and to make it a priority in his agenda. They say they want him to propose and implement a law that would establish minimum prices and fair trade for their produce, and that would apply to all the actors in the food chain. They say they want him to defend their interests and their values, and to recognize their role and their contribution to the society and the economy.
The Reaction of the President and the Public
President Macron has not yet responded to the farmers’ demands, and he has not indicated his position on the issue. He has said that he wants to focus on other priorities, such as education, health care, and economic development. He has also said that he wants to work with the farmers on areas where they can find common ground and agreement.
However, the president may face pressure and criticism from the farmers and the public, who may support the farmers’ cause and their demands. According to a recent poll, 86% of the French people have a positive opinion of the farmers, and 77% think that they are not paid enough for their products. The poll also shows that 69% of the people are in favor of minimum prices for agricultural products, and 66% are willing to pay more for their food if it benefits the farmers.
The president may also face competition and opposition from his political rivals, who may try to capitalize on the farmers’ discontent and to win their votes. Some of the candidates for the 2024 presidential election, such as Marine Le Pen from the far-right National Rally, and Xavier Bertrand from the center-right Republicans, have already expressed their support for the farmers and their demands, and have accused Macron of neglecting and betraying them.