Numerous studies have been conducted in France, notably by the Mutualité sociale agricole (MSA — an agricultural pension fund), on suicides among farmers. The results are worrying with experts claiming that a farmer commits suicide every two days on average. Some claim that this is an underestimate and that the average suicide rate is closer to almost two per day. The same studies indicate that an explanation for this dramatic state of affairs can be found in developments in the CAP and the fact that the farming sector has been left exposed to speculation, indebtedness and the lack of a decent income with one third of French farmers ‘living’ on EUR 350 per month.

Does the Commission know the real figures as regards the suicide rate among French farmers? What is the situation like in other EU countries?