When Tractors Block Streets: Europe’s Farmers Sound the Alarm on Climate and Economy

In the verdant fields of Italy, a stark figure casts a long shadow over the bucolic landscape: €14 billion in damages to the agriculture sector due to climate change, as reported by Coldiretti. This number is not just a testament to the vulnerability of our food systems but a clarion call for a reevaluation of the agricultural practices that contribute to 30–40% of greenhouse gas emissions. Herein lies the paradox of agriculture: it stands at the crossroads of being both a significant contributor to and a potential mitigator of climate change.

The sector’s dual role underscores the urgency of an ecological transition that is not only inclusive but equitable, ensuring that those who till the land are not left to bear the brunt of economic and environmental upheavals. The European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), with its budget of approximately 400 billion euros, embodies the complexity of this challenge. While it represents one of the largest expenditure items in the EU, aimed at bolstering the agricultural sector, the reality on the ground paints a picture of discontent and disparity. In France, protests have erupted over the removal of excise taxes, while in Italy, the grievances encompass a range of issues from fuel cost increases and climate change to unfavorable trade agreements that pit…