Large language model analysis reveals key reasons behind massive farmer protests in Europe

European farmers face mounting pressures. They must produce food while navigating climate change and preserving ecosystems. In 2023/24, these tensions erupted into massive protests across the continent. Despite their importance, farmer protests in Europe have received little attention and its drivers remain largely unclear. We address this gap by using large language models to analyze comprehensive data on 4,642 farmer protests throughout Europe from November 2023 to March 2024, and assess the main reasons for these protests. We find a complex interplay of economic, political and social pressures. Key reasons include opposition to foreign imports, resistance to EU policies, and frustration over subsidy cuts and delays. The analysis highlights significant geographical and temporal variations, with major protest hotspots in France, Germany, Spain, and Poland. Our findings highlight the need for solutions to balance environmental sustainability with profitability and ensuring a just transition for all stakeholders in the agrifood system.