the farmers of Orne received by the prefect after their demonstration

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Sylvain Delye, Guillaume Larchevêquepresidents of the Departmental Federation of Farmers' Unions (FDSEA), and Armand Prod’hommeco-president of the Young Farmers (JA) of Orne were received for 45 minutes by the prefect of Orne, Sébastien Jallet, on the evening of Monday November 18, 2024, at the end of their operation “Feux de la anger » (slogan of the demonstration) in Alençon.

Farmers reminded the prefect of Orne of the reasons for their anger

The discussions, described as “cordial”, made it possible to remind the government representative in Orne point by point of the farmers' demands, particularly on questions of cash flow, taxation or even regulations or administrative burdens.

However, the concrete progress remains limitedaccording to Guillaume Larchevêque, only a third of the grievances expressed since January have been answered, notably immediate exemption from the tax on agricultural fuelremoving the requirement for cash advances, is welcomed.

The strategy provides for a weekly action to maintain pressure, with a focus on local priorities.

Video: Karina Pujeolle

Despite an average mobilization of 40 to 50 participants per action pointthe union remains vigilant in the face of a government deemed slow to respond to expectations on the ground. “The technical subjects are numerous and complex, which complicates communication,” explains Guillaume Larchevêque.

Organized by the FDSEA and the Young Farmers of Orne, this symbolic mobilization aimed to denounce the expected impact of the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur. Once again, farmers came by tractor to the prefecture to express their dissatisfaction with a system that they consider inequitable and destructive.

A clear message

“We want it to be rich in meaning. A year ago, we turned over the signs to say that we were walking on our heads. Today, we want things to go in the right direction. This is why we hung them this way on the prefecture gates,” explains Guillaume Larchevêque, dairy farmer in Ménil-Erreux and representative of the FDSEA, to summarize the state of mind of the participants.

The idea is to do not bother citizens during this end-of-year period. The prefecture is the place which represents the State.

“Today, we are here to say that farmers are tired and that we must be listened to. There is five operations in the department this Monday, besides Alençon, in Argentan, Flers, Mortagne, Vimoutierswith symbolic lights to alert us to our fed up,” continues the vice-president of FDSEA 61.

“We want to remind the government and Europe that we exist, that our agriculture is a pillar of our society. THE risk of seeing the Mercosur agreement finalized by the end of the year, it will be the last straw. »

For farmers, this agreement menace to flood the European market with South American agricultural products that do not meet the strict standards applied in France.

“We are imposed high standards in terms of animal welfare and the use of phyto molecules, while imports could circumvent these requirements. It's a unfair competition which endangers our operations,” adds the union representative.

Broken promises

Beyond Mercosur, farmers denounce an accumulation of broken promises since last winter.

“In January and February, the government promised us administrative simplification and the payment of aid. We were assured that there would be increased support, but nothing has changed, or almost nothing. Some have still not received their aid, and the administration gets lost in its own procedures” , explain Armand Prod’homme, 26 years old, suckler cow breeder in Orée d'Écouves, co-president of the Young Farmers of Orne.

The year 2024 was particularly difficult for operators, particularly because of disastrous weather conditions.

Romain Pelletiera young non-unionized cereal worker, based in Lonrai since last September, also testifies to these difficult times: “I am far from being able to pay myself every month. I just started, and I am suffering the worst harvest in 40 years due to excess water. I am here to demand homogeneity of regulations, which will allow us to make a decent living from our profession, like any craftsman. »

The actions carried out Monday evening in Alençon and in the other municipalities of Orne are part of a broader strategy until mid-December.

“We have chosen not to block roads or hinder citizens. The idea is to alert, not to divide », comments Guillaume Larchevêque.

An uncertain future

Tuesday, November 19 in the morning, in front of the Orne prefecture, the traces of the blaze were perfectly cleaned. But the “common sense” signs remained hung on the gates. If the government and the European Union do not quickly provide concrete solutions, expressions of concern risk intensifying. There Coordination Ruraleintends to get started.

For the farmers present, “these fires are just the beginning», a signal to remind us that French agriculture cannot be sacrificed on the altar of international negotiations.

Behind the flames, the Instagrammable actions and the striking slogans, the future of our food and a key sector of the local economy are at stake.

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