Now that the Government has included agriculture in the scope of the carbon tax, field crop producers are confronted with serious risks threatening their competitive standing and the economy of their business.

ORAMA regrets that this is the case and will be demanding on approaches to be examined to ensure that highly fuel-dependent sectors are not unduly penalised, as stated by the French President.  Points given consideration must include the contribution of the biofuel sector to the reduction of carbon emissions;  this has already been helped by the introduction of energy diagnoses of farms, an initiative to which ORAMA is committed.
 
In more general terms and for all approaches, public authorities in France must take into account the economic situation of field crop farming which has deteriorated substantially and fast.  Prices are now back at their lowest levels, but expenses have not gone down at the same rate;  plus, starting with the 2010 harvest, most CAP aid will be dismantled.  France’s policy for field crop producers has proven to be less rational and more of an economic constraint, affecting inputs (seed, fertilizer, plant protection products and irrigation water), farming practices and land use.
 
Under these circumstances, ORAMA wishes to recall the need for a Committee to be set up in Autumn this year, to monitor the grain and oil & protein seed sector, in compliance with the decision made by the President of the French Republic after the adoption of the CAP Health Check.

Contact : Pascal HURBAULT, 01 44 31 16 25