Farmers speaking truth to power
July 25, 2025
By WeMove Europe
“The soil is not a machine – it’s alive. And we need to treat it with care.” 🌱
Our movement is made up of people from all walks of life – from teachers to pensioners… and farmers! That diversity is our strength. And this spring, we brought small farmers from our WeMove community face-to-face with EU decision-makers in Brussels.
Big meat and dairy companies are some of the biggest drivers of climate breakdown. They’re propped up by EU policies that encourage overproduction, animal cruelty, and deforestation. All while emitting staggering amounts of methane, a greenhouse gas 80 times more polluting than CO₂. [1]
Together, our donations made it possible for Joseph, a small-scale farmer from northern Romania, and Manuela, a third-generation farmer from Tuscany, to speak truth to power.
And they were heard.
The event in Brussels disrupted the usual way of decision-making on agriculture – bringing together, for the first time, policymakers, industry representatives, and small farmers like Joseph and Manuela. The goal? To show that a transition to sustainable farming is not only necessary – it’s possible.
Joseph shared afterwards: “From the reactions of some politicians, it was clear—we made them uncomfortable. We reminded them that they are playing with the lives and livelihoods of millions. Our presence held them accountable.”
Watch this powerful video to hear farmers like Joseph and Manuela share their stories:
Small-scale, sustainable farmers are being pushed out by falling prices, unfair rules, and markets rigged in favor of industrial giants. “Decision-makers are destroying agriculture for small farms,” Joseph said. “International companies get all the support. Small farmers get almost nothing.”
Yet, at our event in Brussels, small farmers' voices reached the people who matter. Farmers’ testimonies added visible pressure and a new layer of accountability, reminding EU officials that real lives, land, and communities are at stake.
And you made it happen. Your signatures and your donations gave small farmers the space to speak for themselves, and for countless others who couldn’t be in the room.
Our community is about exactly this: coming together to lift up the voices that need to be heard most. Right now, EU Member States are debating Europe’s next long-term budget that was announced last week. Their decisions will determine whether public money continues to fuel industrial farming. Add your voice to the petition to demand a food system that respects the land, values people, and works for everyone—not just corporations.
