Farmers Forum staff
OTTAWA — Farmer unrest in Europe is growing as politicians ratchet up environmental restrictions. In 2022, European farmer protests jumped 30 % over 2021 — led by the Netherlands — according to Verisk Maplecroft, a consulting firm specializing in risk assessment and data analytics.
Dutch plans to cut agricultural emissions in half by 2030 triggered farmer protests in the Netherlands, which spread to other countries, including Greece, France and Italy.
The protests and tractorcades are having an impact in the halls of power. The “likelihood” of more protests will be a “key consideration” for policymakers that continue to target agriculture, the company cautions.
Verisk Maplecroft observes that only a significant reduction in global food and energy prices can lower the risk of civil unrest.
