Concerns about the future of the farming sector are rife among Wallonia’s farmers, according to a survey conducted by Ipsos for CBC.
Nearly 77% of farmers have expressed fears, while 37% are entertaining the idea of abandoning their farms, according to the findings which were presented at Corroy-le-Château’s Brouhinète farm on Tuesday.
Half of the 300 farmers interviewed deemed their farms unprofitable, meaning unable to cover costs and pay a decent wage. The main causes of poor income were low selling prices (64%), administrative complexities (37%), and the impact of imposed standards on profitability (37%).
The former can help by buying more local (63%), consuming fewer imported goods (56%) and accepting to pay a fairer price (42%). The latter can help by offering better remuneration to producers (82%) and promoting local products (64%). Over half of survey participants (58%) would also prefer prioritising the sale of products from Walloon agriculture.
Concerning policy action, the authorities hold the keys. The farmers primarily hope for administrative simplification, or even a public body prioritising land access for young successors akin to France's Safer.
This was an important point according to CBC's observatory, which focused on farm transmissions. Of the total sample, 37% said they were considering giving up their farms, while a scarce 10% contemplated taking over.
Whether as future inheretors or established farmers not yet wanting to give up – respondents felt main barriers to taking over a farm were lack of profitability (47%), financial means (40%), and security connected to agricultural lands (mainly farm lease).
To facilitate a new operator's installation, they felt it desirable for 39% of them, that a public body aiming at prioritising land access for successors be established. Thereafter, administrative and legal support in the first five years of the takeover (36%), and additional public grants (33%). Farmers wishing to give up their farms would primarily like (68%) tax advantages if handing over to a young successor.
The survey was carried out by Ipsos in June among 300 Walloon farmers.
