Initial feedback from accounting management centres and forecasts on the basis of FADN data for 2007 suggest that 2009 income figures (before tax and before deductions for social charges) for grain and oil & protein seed growers will drop by more than 80%.  For an average-size farm in this sector (115 hectares) it will be, at the very best, only 5000 euros!

In this situation, the measures announced by the President of the French Republic in response to the large-scale protest movement on October 16 will have only a fleeting effect and will simply defer the consequences which, for many farmers, will be dramatic.
 
Unless there is an unexpected reversal of market trends, the impact is bound to be short-lived as the situation of grain and oil & protein seed producers can only get worse in 2010.
 
Measures required of these growers under “Grenelle de l’Environnement” legislation have already meant high expenditure for them, for the price to be paid to meet the demands of civil society has been almost entirely covered by the producers.
 
Decisions made in France implementing the CAP Health Check will introduce a further charge in 2010 with a levy of 70 euros per hectare on their direct payments.  Quite obviously it will be impossible to levy these sums.
 
The Government must face the facts and find other ways of meeting its commitments on certain animal farming sectors.  ORAMA had already issued a warning to the Government when it justified the decision to levy sums by arguing that grain and oil & protein seed prices would remain at a high level over the long term.  Producers in this field crop sector are demanding that the real market situation be given proper consideration, working through a Monitoring Committee, in accordance with the commitment given by the President of the Republic after demonstrations in March this year.
 
Contact : Pascal HURBAULT – 01 44 31 16 25