Transmission, retirements… The struggles of the former Orne farmers

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It was time forgeneral meeting for former Orne farmers this Tuesday, October 22 in Messei (Orne). Many themes were discussed, including transmission, retirements and current production.
Joined by Armand Prod'homme, president of young farmers of Orne, and the departmental councilors Jean-Pierre Feret, José Collado and Brigitte Viarmé-Dufour.

In the audience, there was Maurice Droulin, ex-farmer and ex-president of the economic, social and environmental advice of the former Lower Normandy. In the gallery were Regis Chevallier (president), Olivier Borel (operator and regional president of Crédit agricole de Normandie), Jean-Paul Lecourt (national secretary) and Sylvain Delye (president FDSEA of Orne).

Agricultural pensions are increasing, but…

From the outset, President Régis Chevallier recalled the strength of the section, his treasurer giving the figure of 609 members.

Régis Chevallier has a thought for the combats carried out “in support of the struggles and anger of young operators in 2023”.

He also looks back on the significant events and the work to be carried out: “We hosted the meeting of the national federation of dairy products. We fought for the reform of the calculation of retirement, but the dissolution of the National Assembly stopped everything. Our progress on the installation of young people, indexation of the amount of pensions… »

there is still to be gained from the taxation of current property income, aging well, and health, a priority demand with of course a dependency law.

THE pensions remain one of the main concerns for former farmers.

Since 2017, agricultural pensions have increased by 10.7%. But small pensions are always the poor relation, the best 25 years were a little hope for spouses. One day we will have to talk about survivor’s pensions.

Among the guests, one reported: “Thanks to the Chassaigne law, our pensions reached 1 000 € minimum. It's still too little, but this hon. [du Puy-de-Dôme, N.D.L.R] defended us. »

To close this meeting, a round table was proposed on the theme of the future for agriculture and rural areas.

How to attract young people?

Armand Prod'homme is in Gaec in the country of Écouves, near Alençon: “I can say that there are young people who are settling in, but it's not simpleit is not enough to be motivated. We, the young people, want to work well, but differently. We aspire to take weekends off, go on vacation, hence the usefulness of the replacement service. »

He adds: “We should not hesitate to delegateeven if it is more complicated in breeding. We will also have to produce energy while maintaining our agricultural production and our French specificities. »

Half of farmers to retire by 2034

The regional president of Crédit agricole Olivier Borel responds: “Unity is our strength, it is decisive. Half of farmers will retire by 2034. There are plans for installations in Orne, in the livestock sector. But, among young people, there are desires to hobbies and that's normal. »

He suggests some ideas: “Before getting started, there is the installation reception point. There, we support young and old so that they can present a project. For this, a three-day training course is offered. »

One million fewer cows in six years

Regis Chevallier bounces back: “In six years, France has lost a million cows, consumption having fallen. The agri-food industry involves a lot of companies in our territory, jobs… We must remain a breeding landour food sovereignty is strategic. All agricultural sectors must be complementary, evolving with global warming. »

To conclude, President Regis recalls the December elections and invites you to vote.

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