Opinion: Could PaaS be the cure for empty shelf syndrome in modern farming?

(This article was published by FoodBev Media on 28 August 2025 and is available in English only.)

Neil Pein, CEO of BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions, speaks to FoodBev about how Product-as-a-Service models can support European farmers facing mounting economic pressures, population growth, climate change and sustainability demands – giving them greater access to cutting-edge technology, financial flexibility and a more resilient future. Discover the full article here.

‘Empty shelf syndrome’ has become all too familiar for shoppers across Europe. Shortages are an almost daily occurrence in food supply, from olive oil to honey and, more recently, items like cauliflower and broccoli. But this empty shelf space is more than just a supply chain hiccup: this is a symptom of deeper-rooted problems in farming.

The farming community is no stranger to hardship braving – unpredictable weather, tight finances, rising production costs and the demands of the land. Incomes are dropping, and many are being forced to close shop altogether. The European Union has seen a huge 37% drop in farms since 2005, with 5.3 million farms disappearing over just 15 years.

At the same time, farmers are facing growing heat to invest in more sustainable farming practices, while many are struggling to make ends meet. Tightening regulations, new policy changes and green subsidies are changing ways of working on farms. Many are racing to play their part in building a more sustainable future – and the stakes are far greater than just keeping shelves full.

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