The extensive grip of “climate change” policy in Europe has been detrimental to their farmers, and they have reached a critical breaking point. This breaking point may soon emerge in America’s heartland as well. European farmers have been increasingly discontent in recent years, with tensions boiling over and protests intensifying across the continent. Tractors have blocked major highways, hay bales have been set on fire, and protesters have restricted access to airports and sea ports.
As the European Union Summit approaches, farmers from Belgium, Italy, France, and Spain are hopeful that their voices will be heard as European leaders gather to discuss new “climate change” regulations. Spanish farmers have also announced their intention to join the protests, signaling widespread discontent across Europe.
The anger among European farmers stems from what they perceive as oppressive regulations aimed at climate change initiatives, making it nearly impossible to thrive as a farmer in Europe and remain in business. For example, the EU requires farmers to allocate 4% of their farmland to “non-productive” areas in order to receive subsidies. This requirement has forced many farmers out of business, with reports of some resorting to suicide due to desperation.
Last year, the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) took place in Dubai, where world leaders discussed policies to address climate change. The COP28 showcased “1.5 Celcius-aligned menus” focused on plant-based foods to emphasize the importance of “climate-friendly food and farming.” The United States, among over 150 countries, agreed to implement policies aligning with the COP28 climate goals.
In the United States, 12 state agriculture commissioners wrote a letter to six U.S. banks expressing concerns about financial decisions tied to climate change initiatives that negatively impact American farmers and ranchers. These banks are part of the United Nations-backed Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA), committed to financing climate action.
If not the banks, American farmers may face pressure from Congress, which is set to pass an updated Farm Bill this year. Similar to Europe, farm subsidies in the U.S. are increasingly tied to climate initiatives. The encroachment on America’s heartland has been happening gradually over many years, driven by the persistent push of climate activists and international pressure from progressive European leaders.
Food insecurity in the U.S. has already been a concern, and the gradual impact on farming and ranching due to climate initiatives raises questions about the end goal of such policies. Whether it is truly about climate change or something else entirely, the impact on the farming industry in Europe and America needs to be carefully examined and addressed.
