French Government Rolls Out €300 Million Plan to Address Agricultural Unrest

On January 9, 2026, the French government unveiled a comprehensive €300 million plan aimed at calming ongoing agricultural unrest. Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard, joined by Minister for Action and Public Accounts Amélie de Montchalin, presented a series of focused measures to support farmers amidst growing sector dissatisfaction.

The plan doubles the support fund for cattle farmers affected by nodular dermatitis (DNC) from €11 million to €22 million. It also includes a €130 million crisis exit program dedicated to vine uprooting alongside a social charge reduction of €15 million for the wine sector. The agricultural hydraulic fund for irrigation is set to triple from €20 million to €60 million, expediting all pending irrigation projects. Furthermore, the government intends to neutralize the new European carbon tax on imported nitrogen fertilizers, pending Brussels’ approval and retroactive to January 2026, to reduce farmers’ costs.

In response to livestock predation, the annual wolf culling quota will increase by 10%, allowing the cull of 213 wolves out of approximately 1,013 – a measure aiming to curb more than 4,000 reported livestock attacks last year.

Despite these measures, agricultural unions have expressed dissatisfaction, describing the plans as insufficient. They stress the need for more comprehensive responses, including calls for abolishing regulatory agencies perceived as obstacles.

Minister Genevard acknowledged the farmers’ concerns, stating, "We have your message five out of five," and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to adapt protocols if collective immunity to DNC is reached. Meanwhile, Amélie de Montchalin underscored the necessity of governmental stability for the success of agricultural solutions, highlighting the political context as a vote on censure motions looms.

The release of the €300 million in aid depends on the passage of budget amendments, which remain subject to parliamentary approval in the coming days. The government’s announcement marks a significant but contested effort to alleviate tensions within a sector critical to France's economy and rural communities.