As part of the publication of its semi-annual opinion barometer produced with the help of the FIFG, the FNSEA reports on the farmers' point of view on the economy of their farms and on the political support of the French Government in their development prospects (economic , employment) for this first quarter of 2020, in light of the Covid-19 crisis, so it will be interesting to put these results in perspective with those of the next barometer to realize the effects of the crisis.

The barometer reveals, first of all, that 3 out of 10 French farmers consider that the current economic situation of their farm is good, a figure that was slightly higher during the past year (+ 6 points). Despite this rather positive trend, the economic stability of the farms turns out to be feverish since the majority (7 out of 10) of the farmers have encountered difficulties in the last 3 months. Even 1 in 3 who have faced significant difficulties. These difficulties are related to the climate, the fall in production prices, excessively restrictive environmental and sanitary regulations, and excessive operating costs.

The results also reflect a lack of confidence in the future. Almost 4 out of 10 anticipate a deterioration in the economic situation of their exploitation during the next 2 to 3 years: 8 points more than a year ago. Added to this is a manifest level of pessimism when asked about the general business climate in France (75% of pessimistic farmers) or about their own activity (58%). The climate of distrust of agriculture also weighs on the motivation of farmers in a context where 75% of them observe an increase in criticism of the profession.

This difficulty in projection materializes due to direct consequences: one farmer in 10 plans to stop his activity in the year due to financial difficulties, 95% of those surveyed said that they did not consider permanent hiring and 84% of them do not have the intention to make a fixed-term contract in the next 3 months.

In the long term, there is a strong distrust of agricultural professionals towards the economic measures implemented by the Government (almost 80% of farmers do not trust). Farmers do not feel listened to by the Government and 86% of them think that the Government does not take into account their concerns as a farmer.

At a time when the crisis has highlighted the need to put food sovereignty back at the center of French and European strategy, the results of this barometer confirm the need for agricultural professionals that the state set a clear course for your sector. It brings you prospects for the future.