The representative of the Burgundy-Franche-Comté Region, present last night at the inauguration of the Côte-d'Or Farm at the Dijon Gastronomic Fair, must have envied François Sauvadet. François Sauvadet has always been close to farmers, while the Region only gets closer to farmers when the latter express their dismay and anger in front of the Region, that's saying something!
François Sauvadet, the President of the Departmental Council, spoke at the official inauguration of the Côte-d'Or Farm. It is not by chance that this place was chosen: this place is at the heart of the agricultural life of the territory, and François Sauvadet knew how to make clear and determined words heard there, without weighing his sentences. The event brought together many actors from the agricultural world, local officials, as well as residents who came to show their support for strong and resilient local agriculture.
A strong voice for farmers
It is with conviction and straightforwardness that François Sauvadet renewed his support for the agricultural world last night: “ Stay confident, I know it's hard for you, but I will be your advocate nationally, permanently, as I always have been “. Speaking directly to the farmers present, he reiterated his commitment to defending them in the face of the many difficulties they encounter, whether economic, environmental or regulatory. He recognized the daily challenges they face: climate uncertainties, the increasing costs of agricultural inputs, as well as the ever more restrictive regulations that complicate their work.
His speech turned into a passionate plea, like a lawyer before the judges. He did not hesitate to directly challenge the public authorities, denouncing a situation that he considers unfair for French farmers: “ We must stop importing products that destabilize our markets and do not respect safety and environmental protection standards.t. » For François Sauvadet, it is crucial to protect French farmers against unfair competition from imported products, highlighting the inconsistency of current policies which impose strict standards on local producers while allowing the importation of products which do not respect these same standards.
He also insisted on the importance of promoting local production and encouraging the consumption of quality products from the Côte-d’Or: “ Here we have exceptional products, men and women who are passionate about their profession. Our fellow citizens must understand the value of what we produce and the need to defend it in the face of globalization and the pressure of international markets. »
A rant against financial injustice
The president then expressed his anger at the levies imposed on the departments to make up the state deficit: “ I find it unacceptable that we are picking the pockets of the departments to make up a deficit for which we are not responsible..” Sauvadet recalled that local authorities, and in particular the departments, have a crucial role to play in supporting the most vulnerable populations, whether they are elderly people, families in difficulty, or young people seeking research. of future. He underlined the serious consequences that such measures could have on social services and support for the rural world: “ What France do we want? If we weaken the departments, we weaken our social function and our support for the rural world.»
François Sauvadet called for a deep reflection on the French model and the relationship to agriculture: “ There will be no future without reconsidering the support we provide to our farmers. We must understand that we are facing a major food challenge, due to climate change and the growth of the world population..” He insisted on the need to prepare now for these upheavals by supporting those who feed the population: “ We are going to have a major food challenge at the global level, with land that will be less arable because of climate change. We must produce more and better, here in France, and preserve our food autonomy.. »
Commitments maintained for the Côte-d’Or
Despite growing budgetary pressure, François Sauvadet announced that despite growing financial constraints, the commitments made to farmers and the credits allocated to the Côte-d'Or would be maintained: ” We will not do more, but we will not do less. The credits will be maintained and I will continue to defend 100% Côte-d'Or products.» He firmly rejected any idea of reducing aid to the agricultural sector, affirming that supporting those who produce locally is a non-negotiable priority.
He also highlighted the issue of generational renewal in the agricultural sector: “ 30% of our farmers will retire in the next ten years. To restore confidence in our young people and allow them to see a future in this profession, we must act now. » To do this, he mentioned the need to improve the installation of young farmers, by simplifying administrative procedures and offering appropriate financial support. “ We need to ensure that every young person who wants to settle down can do so without being discouraged by complexity or lack of support. This is a major issue for our common future. »
François Sauvadet also spoke about the essential role of innovation in agriculture: “ We must encourage innovation in agricultural practices, support new technologies that make it possible to produce in a more sustainable way, while respecting our environment and preserving the quality of our soil and our water. This is how we can guarantee a sustainable future for French agriculture.. »
Resolute support for local agriculture
Vincent Lavier, president of the Côte-d'Or Chamber of Agriculture, publicly welcomed the commitment of the Departmental Council and François Sauvadet: “ The agricultural profession alone could not carry out projects of this magnitude. I warmly thank President Sauvadet for his willingness to continue to support us, whatever happens..” He stressed the importance of partnership between public institutions and farmers to maintain strong, resilient and future-oriented agriculture.
François Sauvadet concluded on a note of hope, calling for unity and trust: “ Let us maintain confidence in the future of our country. If we want to preserve our family agricultural production model open to all talents, we must act. I tell you, the Côte-d'Or department will remain resolutely alongside agriculture and its producers. »
With this declaration, François Sauvadet recalled that the Côte-d'Or wants to remain a land of the future for agriculture, an agriculture that is dignified, proud and anchored in respect for its values and its territories. The inauguration of the Côte-d'Or Farm was not only a symbolic event, but a renewed commitment to those who bring our countryside to life, with the ambition of creating an agricultural model that is, at the same time, sustainable, competitive, and deeply human.
Closing the inauguration, François Sauvadet visited the Côte-d'Or Farm facilities, speaking with farmers and listening to their concerns. He took the time to meet students from agricultural establishments who had come on an excursion, speaking to them with words of encouragement: “ You are the future of our agriculture. Never lose sight of the beauty of this profession. France needs you, the Côte-d'Or needs you. »
The event concluded with a moment of conviviality around local products, where producers and visitors were able to exchange ideas in a warm atmosphere. This moment of sharing was the perfect illustration of the spirit of the Côte-d'Or Farm: a place of life, meeting, and commitment to strong and united agriculture.
