Three months after the blockades by the farming profession, this new series of declarations emerges

Summary of additional measures to resolve the agricultural crisis

The government has announced a series of ‘additional’ measures aimed at resolving the farm crisis, three months after the disruptions that rocked France. During a visit to Pirou (Manche), the Prime Minister, Gabriel Attal, underlined his commitment to taking concrete measures to support farmers, marking the start of a new phase welcomed by the main farming unions. However, extreme vigilance is required to ensure the effective implementation of these measures and the adoption of a new farm bill this summer. Franceinfo details the main new measures for farmers.

Ecophyto plan: final version due in early May

The government plans to publish the final version of the Ecophyto plan in early May, which will now include the European indicator instead of the one previously used in France. This change of method has prompted criticism from some NGOs. In addition, the government has undertaken to formalise the principle of ‘no ban without a solution’ and to support farmers wishing to reduce their use of plant protection products.

Aid for cash flow and farm competitiveness

The public investment bank BPIfrance will provide additional funding of at least €100 million in the form of personal cash loans or guarantees for loans from private banks. At the same time, the government is planning to reduce the tax on undeveloped land to make farms more competitive, and to improve the operation of the precautionary savings allowance.

Early reform of farm pensions

The reform of agricultural pensions, which will come into force in 2026, will be based on the best 25 years of a farmer’s career. This measure, long-awaited by the farming unions, will require farmers to increase their contributions to bring them into line with those of self-employed workers.

Acceleration of irrigation and water storage projects

The government is committed to accelerating 100 irrigation and water storage projects by the end of 2024, with the aim of adapting agriculture to climate change. This initiative, although controversial, is designed to meet the growing needs of farmers faced with climatic challenges.

Aid plan for climate-affected departments

In the longer term, the government plans to launch a €50 million support plan for farmers in the départements hardest hit by extreme weather events. This aid will be aimed at supporting projects to adapt to climate change and develop local industries, with an initial allocation for the departments of Pyrénées-Orientales, Aude and Hérault. In addition, €90 million will be allocated to organic farming, in consultation with farmers.