Lydie Massard calls to revitalise agriculture in Brittany

EFA MEP Lydie Massard sheds light on the agricultural crisis in Germany and explains how it resonates with the situation for farmers of Brittany. Massard, a vocal advocate for sustainable agriculture and rural development, articulates a poignant message about the need for transformative change in the agricultural landscape.

“The agricultural crisis that has hit Germany is echoing in Brittany, where our farmers have been struggling for far too long. The lessons of recent years are clear: our current trajectory is impoverishing our farmers and weakening our rural areas,” Lydie said.

The dire reality facing Brittany's farmers is a prolonged struggle, and the EFA MEP argues that the lessons of recent years point to a clear conclusion: the current trajectory is not only impoverishing farmers but also weakening the very fabric of rural communities. At the heart of the issue lies over-industrialisation and an excessive concentration of agriculture, which Massard identifies as unsustainable solutions with far-reaching consequences.

“Over-industrialisation and excessive concentration of agriculture are not sustainable solutions. Let's redirect the available funds towards crucial priorities: the ecological transition, the promotion of poly-agriculture, and above all, a significant increase in the number of farms,” she mentioned.

In her speech, the Breton MEP advocates for strategically reallocating available funds towards crucial priorities that will shape a more sustainable future. Topping the list is the imperative need for an ecological transition, signalling a shift towards more environmentally conscious farming practices. Massard also emphasises the promotion of poly-agriculture, a diversified approach that not only enhances resilience but also contributes to the overall health of the agricultural ecosystem.

“We must opt for an approach that values assets, and we must regionalise the second pillar of the CAP because it is at the local level that solutions can be most appropriate and effective,” she said.

Lydie Massard, EFA MEP's call to action resonates as a plea for a more sustainable, resilient, and community-driven agricultural model that prioritises farmers' well-being and rural areas' health.

“The time has come to abandon policies that have shown their limitations. Let's invest in a future where agriculture prospers, where our countryside regains its vitality.”