This Friday, November 22, around thirty farmers from Charente-Maritime gathered peacefully on Quai Duperré, in La Rochelle, to express their discontent. A mobilization marked by symbolic actions and a denunciation of government and European policies.
A national movement relayed locally
According to Sud-Ouest, from 10 h 30members of Young Farmers and the FNSEA from the cantons of Courçon d’Aunis, Sour leaf, La Rochelleand theIle de Ré converged on the Old Port of La Rochelle. Equipped with two tractors, they carried out a smooth operation to present their demands.
This gathering is part of a national movement farmers, in response to “broken promises” of the government of Élisabeth Borne, and more particularly against the draft trade agreements between Europe and the countries of Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela).
Competition deemed “unfair”
The demonstrators point the finger at this trade agreement which they consider to be a “unfair competition”endangering their operations. According to them, agricultural imports from Mercosur countries, often less regulated than European production, risk seriously harming the competitiveness and survival of French farmers.
Symbolic actions to challenge
Farmers also used visual actions to attract public attention. During the nights preceding the mobilization, town entrance signs (Périgny, Dompierre-sur-Mer, Clavette, among others) were taken and exhibited on the Quai Duperré.
At the same time, traffic sign covering operations took place in the afternoon, reinforcing the symbolic significance of their action.
A mobilization that extends to Saintes and Jonzac
The protest was not limited to La Rochelle. HAS Saintestowards 1 p.m.three tractors crossed the town before stopping in front of the sub-prefecture. Around fifteen farmers posted town entrance signs there as a sign of protest. A delegation was received by the sub-prefect to discuss the demands.
Later in the day, a similar operation was planned at Jonzacwith an action programmed to 5 p.m..
Anger that persists
With this type of mobilization, farmers not only want to send a strong message, but also remind people of their essential role in the food chain and the local economy. Their anger at policies perceived as unfavorable continues to resonate, carried by these actions as peaceful as they are determined.
The continuation of discussions with local and national authorities will be decisive in meeting their expectations and allaying their concerns about the future of their farms.
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