French agriculture is facing a severe crisis, as farmers grapple with high debts, diminishing incomes, and overwhelming bureaucratic burdens. Despite being the European Union's largest agricultural producer, France experiences one farmer taking their life every two days, signaling the urgent need for action.
One such farmer, Mathieu Couturier, operates two farms across 175 hectares in the Creuse region. Once thriving with organic wheat and egg production, he now finds himself sinking under financial pressure. "I am getting by, but I'm in deep debt," Couturier laments, highlighting the harsh reality as prices for wheat plummeted from €600 to just €300 per tonne over the last year. These financial woes are representative of broader struggles faced by many farmers.
The statistics surrounding mental health issues among farmers are alarming. According to the Mutualité Sociale Agricole (MSA), the organization responsible for social protection of agricultural workers, farmers have suicide rates 43% higher than the national average. A staggering number of farming households live under the poverty line, doubling the national average, as more 370 kilometers away, thousands gather at the Salon de l’Agriculture, one of the world's largest agricultural fairs taking place from February 22 to March 2, 2025.
This annual event sees around 600,000 visitors, but it is not all celebration. During the fair, discussions centered on the desperate mental health crisis within the farming community were held. Arnaud Simion, a Socialist MP from Haute-Garonne, lamented the anxiety-inducing nature of farm work, attributing it to several factors: low salaries, no time off, and complex administrative tasks. "Can you measure the stress of being responsible for the land, your livelihood, and others?" asked Simion, addressing the root causes of this farm crisis.
On the eve of the fair, Simion convened a conference at the National Assembly, dubbing the mental health crisis among farmers as "a national cause". This urgent plea, unfortunately, got overshadowed by discussions on a controversial environmental bill concerning the industrialization of farms, indicating the government’s struggle to prioritize farmers' mental well-being over pressing economic policies.
While protests erupted last year as farmers expressed dissatisfaction with low product prices and unfavorable trade agreements, this year, the feeling remains stagnant. Couturier and his counterparts are wary, sensing little change. "This year is going to be decisive. If I don’t manage to have a normal year financially, I will be forced to stop working as a farmer," he shares his fears.
Farmers like Michou, who left his dairy farming career behind after witnessing his colleague Raymond's tragic suicide, recount how the weight of the job has persisted over the years. "I went weeks without sleeping. I was depressed," Michou confessed, illustrating the emotional burden borne by those entrenched within the agricultural community. Despite some improvements, he signals skepticism, noting, "The more years pass, the more complicated it gets." Low product guarantees amid shifting geopolitical landscapes, compounded by events such as the Ukraine conflict, continually shake the industry.
Couturier points out the recent downturn for organic farming, expressing concern over sales dropping five percent and the leading farmers reverting to traditional techniques amid rising living costs. "What’s the first thing to go when costs rise? Food," he states, underscoring the dire consequences for many even before stepping onto the fields.
Understanding the urgency for support, the MSA launched hotlines for farmers and engaged volunteers to aid identification and resolve mental health issues. Non-profit organizations like Solidarité Paysans offer localized assistance, provided by retirees and former farmers who deeply grasp these unique challenges.
Among the efforts, researchers Florian Manneville and Abdou Omorou from the Université de Lorraine are studying farmers' mental health across eastern France, focusing on stress and support systems. "Our preliminary findings suggest female farmers struggle more than males, and farmers without social support suffer more often from mental health issues," states Manneville. With 753 respondents and forthcoming support strategies, the project aims to create tangible improvements for farmers across the nation.
To conclude, as the Salon de l’Agriculture draws attention to the plight of French farmers, the societies dependent on their labor must recognize the immediate need for sustained support. "I’m convinced it’s worth it, but it’s tough," shares Couturier, capturing the essence of resilience amid adversity. These voices must resonate throughout the agricultural sector, eleving the dialogue around mental health, economic stability, and ensuring the future for farmers across France.