Europe Talks Farming

A deep connection to the profession 

Among the words most commonly used by farmers in Spain to describe their profession's current state are "complicated," "bad," "painful," and "terrible"; in Italy they use "difficult," "terrible," "disastrous," and "abandoned"; and in Poland "bad," "difficult," "poor," and "tragic" are some of the recurring adjectives.  

This illustrates the widespread pessimism among European farmers, though it is not the only indicator. A majority feel forgotten (70% in Spain, 60% in Italy, and 62% in Poland), disrespected (55%, 51%, and 53%, respectively), and unrecognized (60%, 59%, and 57%). 

However, there are still many signs of resilience and dedication to the profession. A significant majority feel proud or very proud to be farmers (98% in Spain, 82% in Italy, and 57% in Poland). And in all three countries, a majority would even encourage their children or younger relatives to pursue farming if they expressed interest. In France, according to the data by Parlons Climat from 2024, 66% of farmers would encourage their children or a young relative to follow their steps.  

To truly understand farmers' perspectives and engage meaningfully with them, it is essential to recognize their deep connection to the profession. Farming is not merely a job—it is often a continuation of tradition, a family business, or the manifestation of a lifelong passion. 

Economic challenges and climate change: the main concerns 

Farmers across Europe face similar challenges, primarily economic (low prices for their products, rising input and equipment costs, stagnant or declining incomes, market instability) and environmental (climate change, droughts, extreme weather). 

In Poland and Spain, the primary concern for farm managers is the low prices they receive for their products, compounded by the inflationary crisis of recent years, which has significantly increased production costs. In Italy, climate change stands out as the most pressing issue, followed by low prices and rising costs. The study carried out in 2024 in France by Parlons Climat yielded similar results, with farm managers mainly concerned about the economic context (market volatility and falling profits), climate change and regulation and administrative obstacles. 

Despite these difficulties, most farmers remain optimistic about the future of their farms. In Spain, 58% believe their farms will still be operating in ten years, compared to 63% in Italy and 42% in Poland. However, optimism varies significantly by age: for example, in Spain, 77% of farm managers under 45 believe their farm will still be active a decade from now, compared to only 44% of those over 65—highlighting the challenge of generational renewal in the sector. 

A willingness to embrace the green transition 

Farmers experience the effects of climate change daily. It is a reality they know well and deeply care about. Through Europe Talks Farming, we aimed to quantify some of the general perceptions of farmers around climate change, revealing the following insights: 

• Most farmers believe in human-caused climate change. However, in Poland and Spain, "light denialism"—acknowledging climate change but not its human cause—is more prevalent compared to the general population. Hardcore denialism is rare, with only 4% of Italian and 3% of Spanish farm managers rejecting the existence of climate change altogether, while 9% of Polish farmers hold such views. 

• Across all countries, most farmers express they would like to contribute more to environmental protection if they could: 94% in Spain, 80% in Italy, and 56% in Poland. 

• Interestingly, while general climate change denial is rare, many farmers reject the notion that their work contributes to the phenomenon. In Spain, 61% of farmers dispute agriculture's role in climate change, compared to 45% in Italy and 33% in Poland. 

• But this skepticism about the impact of their activity, does not mean there is a strong resistance to the green transition itself. In fact, most farmers view the sector's transformation as either a necessity or an opportunity.  

• When asked what they need to achieve a successful transition, the responses were clear: less bureaucracy, more financial support, and increased access to technology and innovation emerged as some of the top priorities across all countries. 

A profession in search of representation 

A significant proportion of farmers feel underrepresented in public debates and decision-making processes: 87% in Spain, 78% in Italy, 84% in France and 66% in Poland.

Farmers perceive political parties, the European Union, and national governments as the least effective in representing their interests, while trade unions and agricultural associations or movements are viewed more favorably. 

Our study also reveals overwhelming support for the protests that swept across Europe in 2024 and 2025, which saw farmers blocking major capitals and cities in multiple countries. 

Change from within: farmers as agents of transformation 

European farmers stand at a crossroads, facing economic strain, environmental challenges, and a perceived lack of representation. Yet, their passion for their work and their willingness to embrace sustainable practices remain strong. Bridging the gap between green policies and farmers' realities will be key to ensuring a just and successful agricultural transition. And change will surely come from within the sector itself: 

• Our study reveals that, across all countries, farmers primarily rely on other farmers and their own families when introducing changes on their farms. Amplifying the voices of those who have already implemented innovations and creating platforms for them to share their experiences is a fundamental need. 

• Farmers have their own communication channels. Conversations with fellow farmers remain their main source of professional information. However, many also turn to union bulletins, agricultural magazines, and online formats such as YouTube video tutorials and specialized websites.

• Women are proving to be a driving force for change in the sector, despite being underrepresented in a traditionally male-dominated profession:

- For example, in Spain women hold a more optimistic view of farming: 77% of male farm managers feel disadvantaged by social changes, compared to only 58% of women. Furthermore, climate change denial is less common among Spanish women farmers: 69% acknowledge its existence and human cause, compared to 60% of men. Women also prioritize climate change as a key challenge more frequently, with 15% listing it among the top two challenges facing their farms, compared to just 9% of men. 

- In Poland, there are also differences in attitudes toward climate and the environment between men and women (we normally observe these differences the general population too, not just among farmers). A couple of examples: 59% of female farmers in Poland fear climate change vs. 49% of male farmers;70% of female farmers are concerned about the state of the environment vs. 56% of male farmers. 

- In Italy, women in the sector feel less respected in their job than men (only 41% feel respected, compared to 49% of men). They are also more critical of the government when identifying those responsible for farmers' issues. However, they are the most sensitive to climate change: 94% of them are concerned about it (compared to an average of 82%), they are more aware of its human causes, and they show strong enthusiasm for renewable energy. For instance, 84% advocate for greater investment in solar energy, compared to an average of 75%. To ensure a successful ecological transition, women are more likely than others to call for additional education and increased support from experts. They also tend to trust their colleagues more.

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