Agriculture in the European Union
Agriculture is the cornerstone of the European Union's financial planning. But agricultural conditions across the continent couldn't vary more.
Billions in subsidies
The EU awards some 47 billion euros ($61 billion) in subsidies each year. Distribution of these funds to landowners is based on the size of their property not their production levels. This has led to disparate working conditions not only from country to country, but also in different regions within the same country.
Myth of the 'happy cow'
Advertising for milk products would lead one to believe that the milk comes from happy cows that live on idyllic farms. But in reality, it often comes from mass production facilities where the animals are confined to small stalls and rarely see open pasture. Dairy cows are usually fed hay, and are typically artificially inseminated so they continue to produce milk.
Milking carousels
Dairy farmers must invest in the newest technology in order for to stay competitive on the global market. Rotary milking machines save time and labor costs - cows are milked three times per day in these modern carousels.
Factory farming
To maximize meat production, chickens destined to be eaten are fattened as quickly as possible in factory farms. Chickens in factory farms grow three times more quickly, attaining their final weight after only 30 days. Only massive use of antibiotics allows the young chickens to survive such conditions.
Old versus new
The recent accession of Eastern European to the EU means a much larger unified market. Large companies have been busy buying up Romanian farmland, which is currently the cheapest in Europe. The companies work on a large scale and with modern machinery, while neighboring small farmers continue to fight for their existence, working the land with donkeys and oxes.
Wine is handwork
German wine producers have a hard time finding enough local workers, despite regional unemployment. Seasonal workers from other EU countries are allowed to help with the grape harvest for six months every year. But for economic reasons, Romanians and Bulgarian workers won't enjoy full freedom of movement until 2014.
Pressing olives
Pressing 4 or 5 kilograms (9 to 11 pounds) of olives produces one liter (about a quart) of olive oil. Countries like Spain also employ foreign laborers to complete such work. But in order to turn a healthy profit from the greenish-gold oil, production must occur on a large scale. This makes things difficult for small farmers, who face increasing competition from large companies.
No path too long
Seasonal laborers travel across Europe in search of work. Children stay behind as parents leave in hopes of earning enough money to support their families, which are separated for extended periods of time.
Subsidized airport
Although agricultural subsidies are in fact intended for farming, anyone who owns farmland, forest or meadow can receive the EU funds. For example, the Schiphol Airport near Amsterdam doesn't show any signs of farm production. It transports 50 million passengers and 1.5 tons of freight every year and is still eligible for subsidies.