The damage caused by the wild boar weighed down the accounts of the Federation of Lot Hunters. Last year, compensation to farmers amounted to 800,000 euros. As a result, the federation recorded a deficit of 400,000 on its balance sheet. An untenable situation. Michel Bouscary, president of the FDC, says it loud and clear: “ If we continue like this, in two years there will no longer be a hunting federation in the department! “.
He announces that hunters can no longer continue to pay. He explains to France 3: “ We recover 100 euros from each hunting license and then, we ask the hunting companies to finance according to their surface area. But for example, a company saw its stake increase from 700 to 3000 euros. Hunters can no longer pay. We cannot double or triple the damage contribution “.
The federation therefore decided to involve farmers in order to protect crops. And for those who don’t want it, there will be no more compensation.
Lot farmers called to protect their crops to limit wild boar damage
The federation therefore offers farmers to provide them with the equipment to fence their plots. In exchange for this equipment (batteries, electric fences), farmers undertake not to seek compensation for damage. In addition, if farmers do not protect their crops, compensation would see the 50% reduction increase to 80%. Immediate outcry from agricultural unions who invite farmers not to sign this agreement.
Christophe Bonnet and Thierry Noireau, elected representatives of the Chamber of Agriculture and members of the Fdsea du Lot, explain to La Dépêche: “ it was discovered that the hunting federation offers farmers equipment to repair fences. And in exchange, they sign a release so as not to be compensated…We learned the news when the farmers called us, it’s been a week. There was no consultation “.
Thierry Noireau adds: “ We will have to review the copy. Today, we are closing the cornfields, then it will be the meadows. But we won’t be able to take care of all the land. Corn is everywhere. And even if it closes, the wild boars will continue to return “.
For Christophe Bonnet: “ Hunters must put their hand in their pocket and agree to pay for the damage “.
On the hunters’ side, we understand the farmers’ anger. Michel Bouscary: “ We have already asked our hunters to make an effort. In 2022, we had taken 4,900 wild boars from the department, we reached 10,000 at the end of March 2024. But we also need to protect crops! “.
For the moment the dialogue seems to have stalled. However, everyone hopes to find a solution that can satisfy both sides.
