Colère des agriculteurs : "On est plus déterminés que jamais"

Summary

In this intense discussion, Lux Messard, deputy head of France's leading agricultural union FNSEA, and farmer Jérôme Bay highlight the deep frustrations and anger within the agricultural community. Despite an emergency meeting with government officials at Matignon, there's little hope for immediate, concrete measures to alleviate their distress. Farmers, led by figures like Bay, continue their blockade in protest against crippling regulations and lack of support, emphasizing their readiness to escalate actions, including a potential march on Paris. Their demands center on simplifying bureaucratic processes, fair treatment in environmental regulations, and tangible government support for the struggling agricultural sector.

Takeaways

• 😠 Farmers are very angry and fed up with government regulations and bureaucracy.
• 🚜 The farmers have blocked highway 64 near Toulouse for 5 days to protest.
• 🔥 There was an attempt to burn down the farmers' wall of resistance on the highway.
• 📜 The farmers have specific demands to reduce regulations and taxes.
• 👷 The farmers invite government officials to work on their farms to understand their struggles.
• 😤 The farmers feel disrespected and want their dignity back.
• 🤝 The farmers' union FNSEA is meeting with the prime minister to discuss demands.
• ⌛ The farmers don't believe the government will take swift action to meet their demands.
• 🚛 The farmers plan to escalate their protests by blocking Paris with tractors if needed.
• 🌾 The farmers want to be able to produce at full capacity to ensure food sovereignty.

Q & A

What is the name of the second leader of FNSEA being interviewed?

Lux Messard

What highway is Jérôme blocking with his protest?

The A64 highway near Toulouse.

What does Jérôme want the Prime Minister to do?

He wants the Prime Minister to come to the Occitanie region with concrete measures to address farmers' grievances.

What happened to the 'wall of resistance' that Jérôme built?

Unknown arsonists tried to set fire to the hay bale wall, but Jérôme and the farmers extinguished it.

What are some of the farmers' complaints against government regulations?

Too much complex paperwork, regulations that constrain production, stringent interpretation of EU environmental rules compared to other countries.

What does Lux Messard say farmers have lost over the years?

Their pride and dignity.

What specific EU policy does Lux Messard want changed?

The mandated 4% production decrease in 2024.

What fiscal policies does Lux Messard suggest could help farmers?

Exemptions from social charges, fiscal and social relief on livestock capital.

How does the French government calculate farmer pensions?

Still based on entire career length, unlike other professions which use best 25 years.

How long will the highway blockade continue according to Jérôme?

All day, until the Prime Minister comes with concrete measures.