the essential
With their sights set on the probable signing of the agricultural products import agreement between the EU and Mercosur, agricultural unions are launching several actions on the ground today. The movement of anger seems to be starting again with a vengeance.
The lull only lasted for a while. For several weeks, we felt that the fire was still smoldering under the embers, but this time, the peasant protest movement seems to have started again for good. On Aveyron soil, agricultural unions are getting back into working order. As of today, the FDSEA-JA tandem is launching hostilities (read also P. 21), with, in the evening and throughout the department (read elsewhere), several gatherings planned. “We have the feeling of not being heard”summarizes Marie-Amélie Viargues, president of the FDSEA of Aveyron. With one element that will have pushed farmers to return to the field of demonstrations, the probable signing of the free trade agreement between the European Union and the South American organization Mercosur. In addition, this, which has been in negotiations for 25 years, could be signed by the end of the year, while the G20 is being held today and tomorrow in Rio de Janeiro. It provides for around 45 billion euros in trade and among them, the import of agricultural products such as 99,000 tonnes of beef taxed at 7.5% or 180,000 tonnes of poultry exempt from customs duties.
Unfair competition
It is this point which particularly irritates farmers. “It’s unfair competition for French agriculture”denounces the president of the majority union in the department. She continues: “Here, we try to make good products but in exchange, we receive bad food.” This is how FDSEA and JA intend to show to what extent this agreement is causing cringe in their ranks. “We want to show that anger is present everywhere in Aveyron.” This union duo is not the only one to think so. Mobilized on October 22 in front of the Maison de la Région in Rodez for a protest action, the Aveyron Rural Coordination – now represented by the Occitan Peasant Collective 12, formed during the demonstration movement at the start of the year – also , announces several actions. “ On repart, says Eloi Nespoulous, co-president of the union. And honestly, I didn't expect such enthusiasm. “ This promises the mobilization of at least 100 farmers tomorrow, in a procession of tractors which will converge towards the prefecture, in Rodez, where spills are planned.
“Do your shopping”
On this side too we point to an agreement which would disadvantage French farmers. “ If the agreement is signed, it should come as no surprise that farmers are the first supporters of Frexit.”announces Eloi Nespoulous. Significant signs of distrust, even though at the start of the year, one of the primary demands of farmers concerned the simplification of standards. “ If the EU does this, it's totally hypocritical, points out the farmer based in Durenque. We cannot be asked to drive electric and produce organic products and then put these products on our plates. “ Especially since according to him, the movement will last. “ I only have one piece of advice to give, do your shopping. ” All this, in busy news for French agriculture, as the next elections to the Chamber of Agriculture will be held in January…
