the essential
Faced with the alarming situation in the nut sector, Christophe Proença, MP for Lot, called on the government. This speech follows his meeting with walnut producers on October 24 at his office. He then promised to carry their voice in the hemicycle.
Before the Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, Christophe Proença recalled the major challenges facing producers: fungal diseases, climate change, international competition, and disastrous harvests in the South-West as in the Dauphiné. He also denounced the insufficiency of the support plan proposed in 2023, the eligibility criteria of which excluded nine out of ten farms in the Lot.
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In the Lot, the walnut season promises to be catastrophic with only 20% harvest for certain producers
Nuts, vines, breeding, the Lot sectors under threat
“These women and men who feed us deserve much more than hype. What solution are you going to offer them to save our agriculture, its sovereignty, and above all protect our farmers and the sectors in danger?” he insisted, sparking loud applause on the benches of the Assembly.
Christophe Proença has broadened his intervention to other sectors under pressure, notably viticulture, which faces the same environmental challenges and unfair international competition. Just like walnut trees, many vine stocks are today uprooted, threatening the economic and social balance of our rural territories. He also underlined the urgency of the situation in livestock farming, particularly affected by numerous health crises and the difficulties linked to vaccinations.
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600 hectares of vines could be uprooted in the Lot: what you need to know about this historic operation
The minister wants an AOP Noix de France
In response, the minister expressed her support for the walnut sector and highlighted the creation of an AOP Noix de France, while highlighting the ongoing structuring efforts. She also discussed the resources allocated as part of the France 2030 plan for the renovation of orchards. But the MP for Lot wanted to recall, in conclusion, that farmers expect concrete actions: “You did not cite research, which must have powerful means to help the sectors develop sustainable solutions.”
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