Logo

France News Today

French news in English

Saturday, January 18, 2025

French Farmers Vote Amid Crisis

Published: 2025-01-15

French farmers are heading to the polls from January 15 to 31 to elect representatives for the country's 88 agricultural chambers.

This election, held every six years, comes at a critical time for the sector, which is grappling with rising costs and disease outbreaks.

Over 2.2 million voters, including active farmers, retirees, and landowners, will decide the future leadership of these institutions, which manage a €950 million annual budget and provide essential support to farmers.

The vote also highlights a fierce rivalry among agricultural unions, with smaller groups like the Coordination Rurale and Confédération Paysanne aiming to challenge the dominance of the FNSEA, which currently controls 97 of 101 chambers.

The outcome will not only shape agricultural policy but also determine the financial lifelines of these unions, as up to 80% of their budgets depend on election results.

Farmers, however, express frustration over internal divisions, calling for unity in the face of mounting challenges.