Emmanuel Macron supports a new type of contract based on farmers’ production costs.
This reversed contract would start from farmers, to food processors and up to retailers to ensure a better spread of added value along the chain. Prices are currently set by buyers who may want to squeeze prices - leaving many farmers unable to cover their costs.
Last year a third of French farmers earned less than 350 euros (£305) a month - a third of the net minimum wage.
“We should allow farmers not to rely on subsidies anymore and therefore ensure than they be paid a fair amount for their work,” Macron told farmers and food industry players at the Rungis food market near Paris.
According to Reuters, French retailers had proposed that they should raise the minimum prices they can charge on products - a move which they argued would benefit those down the supply chain. Macron responded that he would raise the minimum prices on food based on what farmers needed in order to boost their incomes rather than what retailers suggested.
Published Monday 30 October 2017
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
