More than a third of farmers in Ariège are women, the MSA puts them in the spotlight

The packed room testifies to the importance of this meeting on the theme “Women in agriculture”, at a time when the sector is facing major crises. In this context, “the MSA marks its presence, remains close to its members and provides appropriate responses through its mobilization to offer social, economic and psychological support”, as explained by Sébastien Bismuth-Kimpe, the general director. As of January 1, 2023, in the departments of Ariège, Haute-Garonne, Gers and Hautes-Pyrénées, the MSA protects 173,032 employed and non-employed nationals, active and retired.

“I deviated from the Senate to be with you”

Laurence d'Aldéguier, president whose mandate ends in 2025, gives a positive assessment of the last five years: “Started with the Covid-19 pandemic and a word that we would have preferred to avoid, distancing”, but marked by developments, among others, with the creation of the Mutualist Life commission and cooperation with local authorities to carry out regional projects. A network of agricultural Sentinels has been built in conjunction with the ARS (Regional Health Agency): “They identify, listen, evaluate, support and guide in the context of preventing agricultural unhappiness”. Jean-Jacques Michau, the senator from Ariège, wanted to be present. “I deviated from the Senate to be with you… Ariège is a land of industry and agriculture, an agriculture in great suffering more than elsewhere, which needs to be known, recognized and supported with all the of the Chassaigne law but also all the best that could be provided, and I am willing to accompany a Chassaigne 3”.

300 new farmers

The president of the social and solidarity economy group in the Senate confirmed that he wanted to “advance these issues of services to the population and also of governance”. The white paper “Women in agriculture” and its 15 proposals intended to promote the work of women in the agricultural world was highlighted. A copy was given to the senator and the prefect of Ariège, Simon Bertoux. “I am sensitive to the theme that you have highlighted today, which gives rise to this book. Things have been done to upgrade the fair contribution of women to agricultural operations, to encourage them to become heads of operations. In Ariège, between 2015 and 2020, 300 new farmers settled, 37% of whom were women.

To conclude, around a table, five women farmers were appointed to talk as best they could about female entrepreneurship. The Ariégeoise of Dalou, Christelle Record, was a sparkling and elegant ambassador, talking about the installation of her trailer store on the farm, which brings together 145 producers, gold medal for the best grocery store in France in a rural environment . “Whether we are man or woman, we have the same rights, it is up to us to take them. I have not found any obstacles, we must also stop hiding behind these ideas.” Everything is said.