Colère des agriculteurs: Jérôme Bayle, éleveur et figure du mouvement, s'exprime sur BFMTV

Summary

Jérôme Bale, a leader of the French farmers protest movement, discusses his decision to end the highway blockade after the government agreed to three of their demands. He continues to support ongoing protests, saying the farmer unions must negotiate for the industry's future. Bale believes unfair foreign competition is a major issue, as France imports crops using pesticides banned there. He expresses having no regrets about ending his blockade after securing promises, but says nothing is impossible regarding joining Paris protests. Bale also provides an update on the injured farmer Jean-Michel whose wife died in a road accident during the protests.

Takeaways

• 🙋‍♂️ The speaker is a leader of a farmers' movement that decided to end their blockade on the A64 highway near Toulouse after receiving initial proposals from Gabriel Atal.
• 👏 They had three commitments and lifted the blockade as promised to maintain their credibility, despite mixed feelings about the decision.
• 🚨 Supports other farmers' actions, including those blocking Paris, emphasizing the importance of continuing the movement for French agriculture's benefit.
• 👥 Initially started as a small group without union support, the movement gained national significance, urging continued advocacy for agriculture.
• 🖥 Spoke with the head of the FNSA (French National Federation of Agricultural Holders' Unions) since the beginning of the blockade, emphasizing the role of agricultural unions in negotiating with the government.
• 🛡️ Validates more extreme actions if necessary, stating the government must take responsibility and address farmers' needs to survive and thrive in their profession.
• 🔥 Advocates for a non-violent but firmer approach to the movement, waiting for the government to fulfill its commitments before possibly escalating actions.
• 🙏 Acknowledges criticisms for ending the blockade but justifies it by having achieved their three demands and keeping their word.
• 👩‍💻 Highlights the issue of unfair competition, with imports not meeting the same standards as French products, as a key challenge for farmers.
• 🙌 Reflects on the solidarity within the farming community, especially following the tragic accident affecting one of their members, showcasing the community's support and resilience.

Q & A

What was the initial reason Jerome and other farmers started protesting?

They were unsatisfied with the proposals from the agricultural union FRSEA to wait until after the annual Paris Farm Show to restart protests. Jerome and around 300 other farmers started their own protest on the highway to voice their frustration.

What were the 3 demands Jerome and the protesting farmers made of the government?

1. The repeal of the VAT increase on veterinary drugs. 2. Suspension of the broad ecological taxation plan. 3. Creation of an emergency slaughter fund to support livestock farmers.

Why did Jerome decide to lift the highway blockade after meeting with officials?

The government agreed to all 3 of the protesters' demands, so Jerome kept his word that they would lift the blockade if their demands were met.

How did the death of Jerome's friend Alexandra affect him?

He was very emotional after learning of her death at one of the protest sites. He later received a message of thanks from Alexandra's grieving husband despite his own injuries.

What does Jerome think should be done about unfair competition from imported food products?

He believes the government should pay more attention to imported food using chemicals and processes prohibited for French farmers. This creates unfair competition.

How does Jerome respond to criticism that he gave up the protest too easily?

He says he kept his word to lift the blockade once their demands were met. He thinks the critics are not the ones who were sleeping outside in the cold during the protests.

What role does Jerome believe the agricultural unions should play now?

He says it is the role of the established unions to negotiate and make the voice of farmers heard, not just one farmer like himself.

How does Jerome think local governments could help French farmers?

By serving French meats and produce in schools and other public institutions rather than relying on imports.

Does Jerome rule out joining blockade protests in Paris?

No, he says while it's not planned, nothing is impossible after they succeeded in bringing top officials to meet them at the highway blockade.

What will happen if the government doesn't follow through on its promises by February 5th?

Jerome says he will resubmit his application for financial aid due to epidemic livestock diseases, threatening further disruptive protests if the government fails to act.