Hard work and too many statistics: An EU farmer’s frustration grows with every click of the mouse
Associated PressLEDEGEM, Belgium — On a farm in northern Belgium, not far from the hundreds of tractors blocking Europe’s second-biggest port to demand more respect for farmers, Bart Dochy was switching on his computer, waiting for a government program to load with maps of his land next to empty digital boxes demanding to be filled with statistics on fertilizer, pesticides, production and harvesting. In his office, as essential as a barn in the life of a current-day EU farmer, hangs the warning “God Watches — No Cursing Here.” He comes from old-time farming stock, generations of conservative Christian Democrats that have traditionally provided the backbone of European agriculture. “And with the smallest error, there are fines.” Dochy said he often heard from dozens of the farmers in his town how the fines can amount to hundreds of euros, simply with a wrong click of the mouse. “Our farmers continue to face huge challenges,” EU Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic told EU parliamentarians this week, making sure to mention “administrative requirements.” “We hear our farmers – loud and clear.
History of this topic
EU offers to delay new deforestation rules after an outcry from governments and farmers
The Independent
With blaring horns rumbling engines, farmers in tractors block Brussels to protest EU policies
Deccan ChronicleSpraying manure and throwing beets, farmers in tractors again block Brussels to protest EU policies
Associated Press
Angry protests: Why are French farmers so powerful?
The Hindu
Angry farmers clash with police near the European Union's headquarters in a fresh show of force
The Hindu
Protesting farmers jam Brussels with tractors and set fire to tyres as ministers meet
The Independent
Farmers converge on European Union's headquarters in a fresh show of force
Hindustan TimesProtesting farmers spray Brussels police with liquid manure near EU’s base in a new display of power
Associated Press
Tractor protests threaten to drive the EU's green farming policies into a ditch
The IndependentTractor protests threaten to drive the EU’s green farming policies into a ditch
Associated Press
Farmers from 10 EU countries join forces — and tractors — to protest agricultural policies
Hindustan TimesFarmers from 10 EU countries join forces — and tractors — to protest agricultural policies
Associated PressEU scraps pesticide proposal in another concession to protesting farmers
Associated PressFarmers are blocking key roads between Belgium and the Netherlands in the latest sign of their anger
Associated Press
France wants EU law changes 'this week' to quell farmers' protest
The Hindu)
France to push changes in EU law to deter farmers protest
Firstpost
Watch: French farmers on tractors block roads as protest approaches Paris
The IndependentEuropean farmers block French roads and head to Brussels to protest wages and bureaucratic meddling
Associated Press
Netherlands promises stricter nitrogen rules as nature continues to deteriorate
NL Times
Dutch farmers on collision course with Brussels over compulsory farm buyouts
The Telegraph
EU agrees deal to ban products which fuel deforestation
Associated Press
EU lawmakers support ban of goods linked to deforestation
Associated Press
Dutch farmers clog roads on way to anti-government protest
The IndependentDiscover Related
)
