Ten farmers commit suicide every week in France. A figure that resonates in the midst of mobilization against Mercosur, the proposed free trade agreement between the European Union and South American countries. But farmers also denounce administrative burdens and low income: a quarter live below the poverty line!
This malaise, the MSA, the Mutualité Sociale Agricole, notes it and sees it increasing, particularly in Mayenne where the number of reports has doubled in one year, going from 12 to 24, between 2023 and 2024. The causes are multiple, details Anne-Laure Etillieux, in charge of preventing agricultural distress for the MSA Mayenne, Orne and Sarthe. “We are talking about economic difficulties linked to climatic hazards or the volatility of agricultural prices, but there arealso social causes, sometimes very strong isolation in the rural and agricultural world, family causes, particularly in the event of a breakup.”
Multiple causes and withdrawal
Anne-Laure Etillieux also notes “health problems when they are no longer able to work, when they have musculoskeletal disorders or physical and psychological exhaustion. There is a notion of intergenerational difficulty when transferring farms and of course very significant administrative burdens. HASUltimately, unhappiness is the accumulation of one or more of these causes and this leads to withdrawal.“
In addition to prevention at the national level, the MSA of Mayenne has established several measures to support these farmers, “including respite, explains Anne-Laure Etillieux. This can, for example, be replacement assistance to allow farm managers to take some rest and get away a little (from the farm). We also offer support for the management of administrative tasks, when the health situation begins to deteriorate or when the administrative burden is not the priority for the operator, particularly in the case of professional burnout.
Offer respite and psychological support
We sometimes cover sessions with a psychologist and stays with psychological and social support.” Whatever happens, “Above all, you must not stay alone and dare to push the door to get help”proclaims the specialist in agricultural ill-being.
The MSA has also implemented Agri Listena free number dedicated to the agricultural world, accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 09 69 39 29 19.
France
