Farmers’ Protests: A Global Movement for Food Sovereignty

In December, Spanish farmers Javier Fatás and Luis Portillo embarked on a “solidarity tour” through the American Midwest, visiting Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Their mission: to connect with U.S. farmers and discuss the rising global movement for food sovereignty and fair agricultural practices.

European Farmers Unite Against Unfair Policies

Fatás and Portillo, members of the Spanish Coordinator of farmers and Ranchers organizations (COAG), addressed the “wave of farmer protests” sweeping Europe. Their concerns echo those of farmers worldwide: unfair prices, trade policies that disadvantage small producers, and a feeling of abandonment by governments and urban populations.

• Fair Prices: Spanish farmers protested at supermarket chains during the COVID-19 pandemic when milk prices plummeted to thirty cents per liter, below the thirty-eight cents production cost.
• Environmental Regulations: Farmers across Europe are objecting to EU environmental rules, arguing they disproportionately bear the costs of climate policies.

Food Sovereignty: Taking Control of the Food System

Food sovereignty, the central theme of their tour, advocates for local control over food production and distribution. This concept challenges the dominant corporate food regime that prioritizes profit over people and the environment. It gives power back to the local farmers to determine how they want to produce food for sale for people in their community.

Divergent Paths: Protests in Europe vs. the U.S.

While European farmers have taken to the streets in massive demonstrations, their American counterparts have been less visible in large-scale protests. This difference highlights the unique political and social contexts shaping agricultural movements on both continents. Yet, both groups of farmers face similar challenges.

The Plight of the Small Farmer

The “get big or get out” model of agriculture has decimated small, family farms in the U.S. for decades. While Spain and France still revere small farms and slow food, industrial agriculture is on the rise in both Europe and the United States.

Portillo illustrated the stark realities of this trend, noting that his region in Spain, near Bilbao, had 13,000 dairy farms in 2004. By 2024, that number had dwindled to 750. But after the supermarket protests, prices increased from thirty cents per liter to sixty cents per liter, he saeid.

Political Implications

The rise of far-right, populist groups in Europe and the U.S. has capitalized on the frustrations of rural voters. however,these groups often lack concrete policies to aid farmers. It’s crucial for progressives to champion the interests of rural communities to counter this trend. in line with this, Fatás stated, “We don’t want promises; we want justice.”

Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond

Fatás and Portillo anticipate continued protests in 2025, targeting Big Tech in agriculture and Europe’s free trade agreements with South America and New Zealand. Their ultimate goal is to revitalize rural communities. As Fatás emphasized, “We want young people to come back to the farm.”

The Power of Farmer consciousness

Portillo believes that “you can smell the fear” of government officials due to farmers’ growing awareness of their influence as food providers. This “farmer consciousness” is a powerful force driving change and demanding fair treatment for those who feed the world.

Take Action: Support Local Farmers

The struggles of farmers in Spain, the U.S., and around the world highlight the urgent need for systemic change in our food systems. support local farmers by buying directly from them,advocating for fair agricultural policies,and promoting food sovereignty in your community.Together, we can build a more just and sustainable food future.