«We got some things, but it's far from what we asked for.” THE farmers of the Oise have big ones. Starting with Matthieu Carpentier, president of the department's Young Farmers since last February. “We had a complicated year, with poor harvests, bluetongue…lists the young farmer. All sectors are affected, even corn, beets and potatoes. There is a discomfort in the countryside.»
A malaise which had already resulted in numerous demonstrations throughout France last January. And who was not comforted by the government. In any case not enough according to the professionals. “Things have come out recently, like single controlnotes Matthieu Carpentier. And fortunately. Some have had five checks on five different themes in a short time, it's a lot of stress, even if there is never any major sanction.»
Flexibility on controls, and the end of unfair competition
Regarding these quality controls, the Young Farmers ask more flexibility. «It happens that we make mistakes. Once, a colleague made a spelling mistake on the name of a product and he was punished for it. We ask for the right to make mistakes, because all this causes enormous stress.» Stress which sometimes causes drama, which can range from simple burn-out to suicide.
Another strong complaint from professionals, the end of unfair competition within the European Union. “We find on the stalls fruits and vegetables treated with products banned in France, alongside our products, this is unfair competitionproclaims Matthieu Carpentier. Belgian cabbage will not have the same head as French cabbage. It has to evolve.»
Village entrance signs removed
To show their dissatisfaction, the farmers decided to take up their hobby horse again. Or rather their tractors. Like the panels returned at the start of the year, this time they have removed many panels entrance to municipalities, particularly on the D1001, between Sainte-Geneviève and Beauvais, but also to the north of the city-prefecture. And plan new demonstrations. “The objective is to say that we are here, but that we are lost. We want to send a strong signalsays the president of the Young Farmers of Oise. There are a few meetings in the pipeline, we'll see. But it can be something strong.»
In Oise, the first demonstrations are planned around November 15.
