A report moving through the European Parliament, and gaining the support of parliamentarians, calls for more support to be given to farmers who are at risk from rising input costs. The report, which was adopted by the parliament following a vote today, was compiled by Green MEP, political activist and farmer José Bové, and shows that farmers in Europe are suffering under strain caused by ever rising input costs.

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The report demonstrates that European farmers, who are reliant on imported goods such as feed, fuel and fertiliser, are particularly susceptible to price hikes for one or another of these things. It shows that, between 2000 and 2010, overall costs rose 60 per cent. Synthetic fertiliser costs rose 80 per cent, animal feed rose 30 per cent, machinery rose 36 per cent and seed prices rose 30 per cent. Over the same period, farm gate prices have increased by only 25 per cent.

Bové’s report blames the consolidation of power in the hands of a small number of large corporations for the continued high prices; he points out that 75 per cent of the agrochemicals market is controlled by just six companies.

His report calls for the EU to increase scrutiny of practices which lead to high prices and high input costs, in a bit to increase transparency and reduce both food and input costs. Bové also calls for increased support for sustainable farming measures including recognising the benefits of seed saving and protect biodiversity.

Echoing calls made earlier in the month by European farmers’ organisation Copa Cogeca, he also calls for the European Union to support cooperatives and other forms of collective organisation to spread the cost of inputs. Copa-Cogeca has declared 2012 “year of the cooperative.”

The full report, which also considers soil, water and energy issues, is available here

The European parliament showed the Commission the extent of its support with an overwhelming vote in favour of Bové’s report earlier today. The report was adopted with 30 votes in favour, one against and two abstentions.

Scottish MEP Alyn Smith gave his support to the report, saying, “The idea the free market is working for our farmers is downright crazy and DEFRA absolutely must acknowledge that, especially before they proceed full steam ahead to bargain away direct payments and income support as CAP negotiations progress.”

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