Europe's agricultural uprising: A warning for Canada

European politics are notoriously intricate, and the recent EU elections have highlighted a growing fatigue in the West towards socialist and urban-centric policies that impact agriculture and the agri-food sectors. Following months of farmer protests across Europe, the Green Party, previously the fourth most significant party, lost 19 seats and has now slipped to the sixth position in the EU Parliament in Brussels. 

Pro-farming parties now hold more seats than the Greens. This shift suggests that Europeans are increasingly eager for Europe to compete against China and the United States to bolster its economy. 

The political upheaval was particularly pronounced in France, Europe's largest country after Germany. French President Macron has called for snap elections for the National Assembly, and Belgium's President has also resigned. Germany is experiencing similar turbulence, with the Social Democrats being relegated to a lower ranking.

The farmers' revolt, peaking in January and February 2024, has affected most EU Member States. This uprising is fueled by escalating production costs, foreign competition, declining incomes, environmental restrictions, and onerous administrative procedures. In essence, Europe is undergoing significant turmoil, and it seems farmers' voices have finally been heard.

READ: Farming's breaking point 

From a food security standpoint, the situation in Europe is deteriorating. Extreme agricultural policies that empower the state to control farming have rendered Europe less food secure. The results of the EU election will have a profound impact on the continent's future food security. Farmers have been burdened by bureaucratic policies and restrictive regulations dictating what and how they can produce. Government oversight has reached extremes, with satellite images being used to monitor compliance with allowed crops and field activities, triggering automatic notifications if discrepancies are detected. This level of state control is unprecedented. 

Even before the election, the EU Parliament was under pressure. Facing mounting tension, several environmental regulations, including pesticide rules, were either diluted or repealed. This relaxation of green objectives may indicate a broader trend with the new parliament, which could be seen as a positive development. 

We have witnessed a significant shift in regulatory approaches in Europe, causing the continent to retreat from exports and focus on self-sufficiency. For instance, Europe’s pork production, one of the world’s most popular animal proteins, is down by 3 million metric tons from 2021, representing 25% of the United States' entire pork production. Grain production is also languishing, making it increasingly difficult to feed livestock.

The EU projects that overall cereal production this season will be 4.3% below the five-year average, not only due to adverse weather conditions but also because farmers feel unsupported and lack incentives. Europe's struggles have created opportunities for American producers, who are now targeting markets like Korea, previously served by Europe. Brazil has also capitalized on Europe's challenges, and Canada should follow suit.

READ: Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening? 

While the United States views Europe’s self-inflicted food insecurity as a chance to expand its market reach, Canada seems enamored with European-style, urban-centric agri-food policies. The EU's experience serves as a critical case study for Canada on what not to do.

Undermining farmers and disregarding their expertise is not only reckless but also perilous for citizens and the economy. Restoring dignity to farming in Canada is imperative. For effective environmental stewardship, governments must prioritize farmers' insights. Their knowledge is invaluable, surpassing that of vocal NGOs and federally funded entities like the Canadian Climate Institute or the Smart Prosperity Institute, which have received over $51 million to amplify the federal government's current narrative on environmental policies, often to the detriment of farming communities.