“Measurements”, “Unworthy of the breeders’ dismay”: despite the announcements, the Minister of Agriculture did not convince the Tarnais breeders

Travel at full speed for the Minister of Agriculture Annie Genevard, between Tarn and Aude, in Lauragais, this Monday and Tuesday. Arriving at 4:15 p.m. in Montgey on Monday, on the Semenou family's farm, she left, after a time of discussion with elected officials and farmer representatives, just before 6 p.m., towards Castelnaudary.

The context of the visit? The health crisis faced by farmers. Bluetongue (BCF) and Epizootic Haemorrhagic Disease (EHD) in particular are hitting sheep farms and to a lesser extent cattle farms hard. “Occitanie is a territory that is particularly suffering, in terms of income, climate… It is in these territories that we must be particularly present.”

Europe-wide solutions

Faced with breeders' concerns, Annie Genevard came with announcements. 2 million additional vaccines ordered, on the FCO3, adding to the 12 million already ordered. “For other diseases, it is complicated, because we are facing a loss of sovereignty from France. We do not have a laboratory capable of providing us with the vaccines that would be necessary against MHE and FCO8.” But also, a project carried out at European level, the creation of a vaccine bank. And at the national level, “launch the animal health conference at the beginning of the year, put breeders, laboratories, professionals and state services around a table to regain control a little and not suffer these epidemics.”

Christophe Rieunau, secretary general of the FDSEA, was more than divided at the end of the discussion with the minister. “We expected more announcements. Tarn is today the territory most affected by MHE disease. And she announced measures. Yes, there are in-depth discussions, it is necessary because tomorrow We will have to move faster on this type of crisis which is bound to repeat itself. But that will not resolve the crisis we are in. We need strong means to alleviate mortality. We need vaccines, support.

“Interesting” discussions, however, recognizes Christophe Rieunau. Likely to appease the movements planned for mid-November? “Discussing with a minister doesn't calm you down. What calms you down is a minister and a state that puts in the resources! We didn't necessarily feel that way today…”

The president of the Tarn department, Christophe Ramond, said nothing else: “It has not provided any concrete solution to the scourge of MHE and FCO diseases. It is unworthy of the distress of breeders! Tarn is the most affected in Occitanie and the second in France. We must urgently ensure coverage for vaccines and guarantee compensation for all losses,” concluded the president of Tarn. The minister continues her visit to Aude this Tuesday, this time with “new announcements”.