Angry by the announced economic measures, the Jura Agricultural Revolt movement is collecting signatures for an open letter intended for members of the Jura government. The objective is to make them participate financially in these “incomprehensible budget cuts”.
Among the measures taken by the Jura executive on April 11, some directly affect agriculture and in particular a reduction in livestock aid for an amount of 150,000 francs. Believing that “these reductions hit agriculture disproportionately”, Révolte agricole Jura therefore asks members of the government to make a personal effort.
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Concretely, this would involve making them pay for their entry and meals during the various agricultural events in which they participate, such as the Market Competition, the Tête de Moine Festival or even agricultural diploma ceremonies, specifies the open letter . This money would then be transferred to the Rural Economy Service.
“I know that there are many who are bothered to see these ministers being offered their starters and meals free of charge,” says Julien Boillat, a breeder in Franches-Montagnes, who advocates transparency regarding these contributions. “Everyone is free to know whether ministers participate in this effort or not,” he said.
Symbolic gesture
Julien Boillat is well aware that the money that could be raised in this way will never compensate for the 150,000 francs saved on the livestock market. “We make do, but it costs us,” he explains. “For me personally, that must be around ten cows at 50 or 70 francs less.”
These cuts, however, represent a much larger amount if we take into account “all the farming families of the Jura”, specifies the farmer, who believes that a gesture on the part of the Jura government would therefore be appreciable. “It’s symbolic,” he says. “It’s more about showing that they are worthy of their actions.”
Révolte Agricole Jura intends to collect signatures throughout the month of May before officially transmitting its open letter to the Jura executive.
Gaël Klein/edel
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