Faced with numerous difficulties, farmers have launched calls for demonstrations by mid-November, only a few months after a large mobilization of the agricultural sector. Jérôme Bayle, leader of the agricultural movement in Haute-Garonne, points in particular to the free trade treaty between the EU and Mercosur as a source of tension but deplores actions that are “more political than constructive”
Will the agricultural movement resume? The FNSEA and Young Farmers announced at the end of October “a resumption of actions from November 15”, calling on all farmers to demonstrate.
But unfortunately, for Jérôme Bayle, cattle breeder, leader of the agricultural movement in Haute-Garonne, guest of Charles Matin on RMC and RMC Story, this Monday, the agenda is not ideal for mobilization: “I don't know if everyone will respond to the call, since we know very well that in two months there are elections to the Chamber of Agriculture and it's a bit of a squabble between the unions. So I think that's okay. be complicated to mobilize everyone together to unite.”
Regarding the mobilization that is being prepared, “if it takes on national proportions, everyone will respond,” he assures. Even if Jérôme Bayle judged that these actions were “more political actions than constructive actions”.
When he talks about “the world”, the breeder refers to his supporters and the members of his association, “the ultras of the A64”, which he created last March. A structure that aims to be apolitical and non-union. The breeder admits to “discussing every day with politicians” to allow farmers to find answers.
The Mercosur treaty at a tipping point
Jérôme Bayle will meet “the new Minister” of Agriculture, Annie Genevard, and “deputies in Paris”. “What will calm the farmers' anger will be aid. But it is only temporary. As soon as we receive the money, we go back to paying our suppliers and the next day, we are in the same situation “, he analyzes.
“I think we need to perpetuate agriculture, find long-term solutions, I think we have very strong, very clean French agriculture, but we don’t use it enough,” he adds. .
Discussions with the government could take another turn if the Mercosur treaty were to be signed by the EU. “It’s a drop in the ocean that could cause unprecedented anger,” warns Jérôme Bayle.
“It’s a shame,” he insists.
This trade treaty would establish a free trade zone between EU countries and several South American countries (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia). In particular, it would allow the latter to massively import beef into Europe, without paying any customs duties. Unfair competition according to farmers. “Signing the Mercosur treaty will mean agreeing to make the French eat what we have been forbidden to produce for more than 30 years in France,” summarizes Jérôme Bayle, who considers this treaty as a red line.
