Lot: Point of friction between hunters and farmers

In the Lot, the climate is tense between farmers and hunters. Indeed, the latter express their dissatisfaction through the voices of Christophe Bonnet and Thierry Noireau, of the FDSEA. They are in total disagreement with the federation of Lot hunters who, according to them, have taken a decision without consultation.

Recently they were faced with a fait accompli: no more compensation for the damage caused by wild boars in the corn fields.

An overpopulation of wild boars

In the department, the proliferation of wild boars is a real scourge. Impossible to count them but the withdrawals have passed from 4,900 in 2022 to more than 10,000 in 2023. Traditionally it is the hunting federation which compensates farmers whose crops have been attacked. For 2023 the amount amounts to €800,000.

Warned by farmers, the FDSEA is surprised by a unilateral decision which raises questions. The change comes from the fact that the hunting federation is offering farmers to waive compensation in exchange for electric fences provided free of charge by hunters and to sign a release for non-compensation in the event of damage. In addition, if farmers do not protect their crops, the hunting company would issue a reduction of 50 to 80%.

Farmers are unhappy

“It’s a huge job to fence the corn and it’s not feasible everywhere. It takes time, to monitor regularly, over a period which extends from May to October, and in return, if we have damage we would not be compensated, for us this is unacceptable. We know very well that fences will not stop wild boars. Today we have only one slogan: do not sign,” the trade unionists fiercely opposed to this measure unanimously protest. Usually the understanding between hunters and farmers goes well but this is the straw that breaks the camel’s back.

The hunting federation explains

Michel Bouscary, president of the Lot hunting federation, argues this decision: “Last year we had a deficit of €400,000 due to the increase in wild boar harvested. There are several solutions, take more wild boars and protect crops. If the fences are installed correctly there is no damage. Where the problem lies is that some farmers are very reluctant to choose this measure. But if we continue like this, we’re going out of business.”

With the two combined actions, harvesting and crop protection, the hunting federation hopes to limit the damage. There is even talk of being able to train farmers in wild boar trapping. “The wild boar population is enormous in the territory. With mild winters, natural selection no longer takes place. But everything is in place both at the federation level and crop protection to try to contain both wild boars and damage. I assure you, dialogue remains open with farmers,” concludes Michel Bouscary.

Marie-Françoise PLAGÈS

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