Farmer protests across Europe in early 2024 have sparked concerns about the future of agricultural policy. These protests, initially sparked by country-specific issues, have converged around demands for changes to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the European Green Deal. The European Commission has described the situation as a "crisis" in EU agriculture, prompting a series of responses. A Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Agriculture has been initiated to address the polarization in farm policy discussions, but it is unlikely to influence the European Parliament elections in June 2024. The protests have roots in various issues, including environmental regulations, trade competition, and low farm incomes. Farmers argue that their incomes are too low, imports undermine their markets, and environmental regulations are too burdensome. The protests have also been amplified by social media and informal organization, with mainstream farm unions seeking to retain control. While farm incomes have improved relative to non-farm sectors, many smaller farms struggle to earn a decent income. The CAP has been revised to include stricter environmental standards, but these have been accompanied by reduced direct payments. Farmers feel that they are losing respect and are increasingly viewed as environmental villains. The protests have also highlighted concerns about trade competition, particularly with Ukrainian imports. The European Commission has introduced measures to address these concerns, but some member states have reintroduced import bans. The European Parliament elections in June 2024 will be crucial in determining the future of agricultural policy and environmental ambitions. The European Parliament elections will reveal how European voters decide between priorities such as food production, environmental regulation, and climate change. The outcome of these elections will have significant implications for the future of agriculture and the environment in Europe.Farmer protests across Europe in early 2024 have sparked concerns about the future of agricultural policy. These protests, initially sparked by country-specific issues, have converged around demands for changes to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the European Green Deal. The European Commission has described the situation as a "crisis" in EU agriculture, prompting a series of responses. A Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Agriculture has been initiated to address the polarization in farm policy discussions, but it is unlikely to influence the European Parliament elections in June 2024. The protests have roots in various issues, including environmental regulations, trade competition, and low farm incomes. Farmers argue that their incomes are too low, imports undermine their markets, and environmental regulations are too burdensome. The protests have also been amplified by social media and informal organization, with mainstream farm unions seeking to retain control. While farm incomes have improved relative to non-farm sectors, many smaller farms struggle to earn a decent income. The CAP has been revised to include stricter environmental standards, but these have been accompanied by reduced direct payments. Farmers feel that they are losing respect and are increasingly viewed as environmental villains. The protests have also highlighted concerns about trade competition, particularly with Ukrainian imports. The European Commission has introduced measures to address these concerns, but some member states have reintroduced import bans. The European Parliament elections in June 2024 will be crucial in determining the future of agricultural policy and environmental ambitions. The European Parliament elections will reveal how European voters decide between priorities such as food production, environmental regulation, and climate change. The outcome of these elections will have significant implications for the future of agriculture and the environment in Europe.