Around fifty farmers and around ten tractors, the latter coming in convoy from Laragnais, were parked in front of the Hautes-Alpes prefecture, in Gap, this Thursday, November 7, with the intention of pleading the cause of arboriculture . It was also a warning shot to the public authorities – like the demonstration planned for this Friday in Digne-les-Bains, (Editor's note: awaiting a general movement expected next week).
Used protective nets were hung from the gates of the prefecture and, even, two partially amputated apple trees were arranged to set the scene.
High-Alpine arboriculture was therefore at the heart of concerns for the delegation of the two professional unions present, the FDSEA and the JA 05. Their co-presidents, Anne-Marie Gros and Laurent Gabet, as well as Nicolas Richier and Edouard Pierre for the first, Cyril Hugues for the second, were accompanied by Éric Lions, president of the Chamber of Agriculture.
Exited from the Natura 2000 zone
They were received by the prefect Dominique Dufour, surrounded by directors of services concerned with agriculture. The members of the delegation were satisfied, after an hour and a half of interviews and when reporting back to their troops. “There will be no new measures decided within the framework of Natura 2000. the prefect recognized the efforts made by arborists over two decades within the framework of agro-environmental measures (MAE)” reassured Laurent Gabet.
A second request was also satisfied, undoubtedly even more important: “The 130 hectares of high-Alpine orchards in Durance and Buëch will be removed from the Natura 2000 zone“said the union leader. 64 arborists are affected by this measure.
From 3,033 hectares in 2000 to 2,334 ha today, the high-Alpine orchard has therefore declined by a quarter. The yield per hectare having fallen by 10% for apple trees. The reduction in the use of phytosanitary products imposed by Natura 2000 is a factor in the deterioration of production, according to them. Arborists want to stop this decline.
The peaceful demonstration was therefore concluded in a positive manner on a local subject. Some young farmers remained skeptical and advocated stronger action. Union officials rejected any idea of action likely to thwart the progress obtained and which will be formalized in a text, arguing that “The prefect agrees to set in stone the agreement discussed today“.
In a few days, farmers will be mobilized on a larger scale for global demands already made in January 2024 and whose settlement was completely interrupted by the dissolution and the legislative elections that followed, and the wait for the new Barnier government.
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