Farmers from the Gers Rural Coordination and neighboring departments are blocking the Danone factory in Villecomtal-sur-Arros to defend a local sector this Tuesday, November 26 since 2 p.m.
Since 2 p.m. this Tuesday, November 26, farmers from the Gers Rural Coordination, supported by their counterparts from neighboring departments, have been blocking the entrances to the Danone factory in Villecomtal-sur-Arros. The movement, which is planned to last, aims to demand the creation of a French sector for the production of oats, essential to the manufacture of the industrialist's vegetable drinks.
Under the explicit slogan “Danone Villecomtal, for a French sector!” We want more Ukraine here,” the farmers denounce the massive use of oat imports, particularly from Ukraine, to supply the factory.
Negotiations with no outcome
In the afternoon, a delegation of farmers was received by the factory director. However, the meeting ended in failure. Lionel Candelon, leader of the Gers Rural Coordination, judged the discussions “inconclusive”. He calls for a formal commitment from Danone, but also from the State, to support local oat production.
Farmers want the Danone factory to source locally and stop relying on imports. They insist on the need to develop the region's agricultural land and secure outlets for French producers.
A determined mobilization
Faced with the lack of agreement, the farmers of the Rural Coordination decided to maintain their blockade. The movement could continue, with demonstrators announcing their intention to spend the night there.
For farmers, this action is crucial to denounce a policy that they consider inconsistent with the environmental and economic commitments advocated by large companies and the government.
In the meantime, farmers remain firm: they will not give up until they have obtained solid guarantees for the future of their sector.
