After a very strong mobilization in January, farmers are gradually resuming their actions in the face of “governmental inaction” which they denounce. In Yonne, the year 2024 was particularly difficult for professionals in the sector, who will continue to alert the population.
Lines of tractors and improvised barbecues on the highway. Hundreds of blockages throughout France. Images of farmers’ anger marked the end of January 2024. A new episode is playing out.
Because the anger is there. Still there. In Yonne, the movement was very popular in January. The farmers had taken over the A6 and the A19, paralyzing two axes for almost a week. “We had shown something unprecedented, our fed up but also our desire to move forward, and nothing has happened since,” comments Charles Baracco, president of the Young Farmers of Yonne.
Dormant bill
Administrative simplification, reduction in the number of standards, mechanisms for better remuneration: their requests were numerous, but targeted. The mobilization led Gabriel Attal, Prime Minister at the time, to commit to 62 measures. Some were quickly implemented, such as the abandonment of the increase in non-road diesel or the payment of emergency aid or the CAP.
“There is some sprinkling, answers on a few points, but otherwise nothing. »
Laurence Godin (Breeder in Mélisey and president of the Rural Coordination in Yonne)
Farmers: call for national mobilization from Monday, November 18
Many hopes have been placed in the draft orientation law for agricultural sovereignty. The text was adopted at first reading by the National Assembly on May 28, 2024, but since the dissolution, the file has been at a standstill. And the year was tough for farmers, affected by climatic hazards or livestock health crises.
Opposition au Mercosur
“No production escapes it,” laments Laurence Godin. At the start of the year, we didn't know how things were going to go, and it was worse than we imagined. » With the Rural Coordination, they were the first to occupy the ground, by deploying tarpaulins in the four corners of the Yonne during the night from Wednesday to Thursday. A way to remind people of the difficulties they encounter.
We started very gently, we did it at night, we didn't block anything, but we are all convinced that it won't be enough.
For their part, the Departmental Federation of Farmers' Unions (FDSEA) and the Young Farmers have planned a joint action this Monday, November 18, 2024. After having covered the municipal panels, they will host, at 6 p.m., “evenings “salsa” around the fires of anger with Brazilian music and Argentinian dancers” at the Rosa-Parks roundabout in Sens, the entrance to Avallon and at the crossroads of Europe in Auxerre. An ironic way to oppose the free trade treaty between the European Union and Mercosur, currently under discussion.
In Yonne, farmers from the Rural Coordination show their discontent
“The decision-making inertia of the new government pushes us to our limits and exacerbates our incomprehension in the face of the slowness of action,” complain the two local organizations, which might not stop there.
Antoine Compigne
