From Guadeloupe and overseas to Europe, Pirbakas fights for farmers’ rights

As the French agricultural sector prepares for the annual Paris Agricultural Show, amid a resurgence of farmer mobilization and growing discontent, the spotlight often misses a critical segment of the French agricultural landscape: farmers. Oversea territories. MEP Maxette Pirbakas, herself a fifth-generation Guadeloupean farmer, raised her voice to ensure that these regions are not forgotten.

In a powerful statement, Pirbakas highlighted the particular challenges facing farmers in French overseas departments and territories. “At a time when we are witnessing a resurgence of peasant mobilization, due to growing discontent a few days before the opening of the Agricultural Show in Paris; while the peasant movement currently benefits from significant public support; and farmers are courted by all political parties for political gains; we must not forget the farmers of the overseas territories,” said Pirbakas.

She highlighted the unique issues facing these territories, which differ significantly from those on the continent. These include unfair competition, insufficient pricing of agricultural products and excess standards and administrative constraints. A specific point of contention concerns Guadeloupe’s sugarcane pricing model, which has remained unchanged for more than 60 years, prompting local farmers to mobilize.

The geographic, climatic and historical specificities of these territories require an adapted agricultural approach. Despite the challenges common to these regions, each territory faces unique obstacles due to its specific geographic, demographic and climatic conditions, as well as its regional environment.

Pirbakas highlighted the multifunctionality of agriculture in the overseas territories as a common factor, encompassing economic, ecological and social components. A notable feature of agriculture in these regions is the predominance of small and very small farms, or micro-farms, which play a crucial role in preventing urban exodus and maintaining rural activity, particularly in areas with high potential.

Additionally, the largest and most productive farms in these territories, often focused on exports like sugar and bananas, face their own challenges. These farms, like their smaller counterparts, contribute significantly to the economy and play a fundamental ecological and social role, more than their mainland counterparts.

Highlighting the administrative classification of these small farms as “Small-scale bioeconomic and agroecological agriculture” (APEBA), Pirbakas called for the integration of practices that preserve the quality of water and soil, the rehabilitation of agricultural systems. irrigation and the review of public agricultural policies and pricing standards. to level the playing field with direct competitors who do not face the same obligations.

With the fragile ecosystems of overseas territories, it is urgent to balance agricultural production and respect for the environment. This involves addressing challenges such as climate change, which these territories face more acutely than the continent.

Referring to a 2016 Senate report entitled “Agriculture overseas: no future without adaptation of the normative framework”, Pirbakas questioned what the public authorities have done since the publication of the report to improve the situation of foreign farmers. She called on metropolitan public authorities and unions not to neglect their foreign colleagues in discussions and negotiations. “We must be represented and heard,” Pirbakas concluded by emphasizing the need for a united approach to respond to the specific agricultural challenges of French overseas territories.