Challenges in the social security of farmers.

In March, the SafeHabitus Project and the European Committee of the Regions brought together policy makers, researchers and agricultural stakeholders. Together, they discussed the role of social security systems in improving health and safety at work and the quality of life of those working in the EU agricultural sector.

Increased risk of acci­dent and injury

The agricultural sector is facing unique challenges. Only one in ten agricultural workers is below 40 years of age. The average age of farmers in the EU is 57, and half of them will reach retirement age in the next few years. However, this does not stop many of them from continuing to work. This poses risks, particularly in the area of health and safety, as older workers are at greater risk of accident and injury.

Investing in good care

Examples from Ireland, France and the USA addressed the different socio-economic challenges of the agricultural sector, which are often very similar. In addition to social security and insufficient generational change, the urgent need to tackle the psychological problems of farmers and to increase the attractiveness of the agricultural profession also play a role. Addressing these and other challenges requires the provision of good care and solutions that are tailored to the specific characteristics of the agricultural sector.

Devel­oping inno­v­a­tive preven­tion services

The European Network of Agricultural Social Protection Systems(ENASP) shows how this can work. Its members are committed players in rural areas endeavouring to establish and expand innovative prevention, health and care services. The age structure of the five ENASP member states (Germany, Finland, France, Austria and Poland) shows that this work is bearing fruit. Farmers are comparatively younger, which is also reflected in a greater awareness of occupational safety, a readiness to innovate and investments in modern machinery and more efficient production methods.

The role of the Common Agri­cul­tural Policy

The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has undergone continuous change to prepare European agriculture for the future. One of the initiatives in the CAP 2023-2027 is social conditionality. It links CAP payments to compliance with certain EU labour standards. The beneficiaries are also encouraged to improve working conditions on the farms.

Furthermore, farm advisory services under the CAP contribute to improving occupational health and safety in the agricultural sector. For example, they can raise farmers’ awareness of mental health and occupational accidents. This is particularly important in a sector where the suicide rate in some Member States is 20 per cent above the national average.