“consumers need to understand”, farmers on awareness mission at the Sauveterre-de-Guyenne supermarket

DThey tractors and banners are positioned in the supermarket parking lot. But here, in Sauveterre-de-Guyenne, the farmers did not come to block the sign. They are even warmly welcomed by the store manager to set up their stand in the entrance hall. “This is an intelligent communication action compared to other degradations that we have seen this week. I’m not sure that dumping trailers of waste will move things forward,” says Martin Beaux.

“We came to talk to people,” informs Lucas Berthomieu, representative of the Young Farmers of Entre-deux-Mers. Last week I was at the fire of anger at the Chartrons in Bordeaux, today it's a different action. » While he cuts French apples and kiwis to taste, the cereal grower analyzes the mobilizations of the last few days. “Consumers need to talk to us, to understand, rather than seeing fires on TV. »

A land of farmers

“Eat French, drink Bordeaux,” repeats the group of farmers to customers entering the supermarket. On their leaflet, we can read “we are fighting so that the French can eat and drink our products; prohibit the importation of products that do not meet French standards [….]»

The Sauveterriens who stopped supported them. In this rural wine-growing area, many live directly or indirectly from agriculture. Or can no longer make a living from it. “I’m ruined. My nephew took over the farm on a rental basis, but he told me the other day, in tears, that he could no longer pay, confides Alain Lavergne from Saint-Martin-du-Puy. So obviously I support them with all my heart. » “These are people who work hard, we don’t support them enough. It breaks our hearts to see all these vines uprooted,” says Yveline.

“It’s constructive, they send a positive image of farmers… We have never seen such a serious crisis”

Olivier Jonet, deputy mayor of Sauveterre-de-Guyenne, came to renew the support of the municipality. “It’s a good idea, we have to show the consumer that we make quality local products. It's constructive, they send a positive image of farmers in a climate of tension. We have never seen such a serious agricultural crisis. »

Open up about your difficulties

“We’re not here to annoy people. Colleagues mobilize on a Saturday when there is work. But we are not moving towards good times. This is just the beginning of this cry for help. The problem is going to happen for real,” judges Aymeric Combefreyroux, young winegrower.

Angélique Neau, a 36-year-old winemaker, does not hesitate to confide in consumers to raise awareness. “It’s been eight months since I paid myself a salary. The other day, my 7 year old son told me ''Mom, I don't understand, normally when you work more, you have to earn more''. »

Opposite the JA stand, Food Bank volunteers also try to contact customers as part of the national collection. “There are more of them, they take up more space,” recognizes Monique. But we support them, we are all linked to the wine world here. » Jean-Philippe adds: “Our association helps those in need, this is the case for more and more farmers. »