This Tuesday, November 26, 2024, the agricultural discontent took up residence on the outskirts of Perpignan, in Pollestres and in Thuir before converging in a “funeral convoy” of several dozen tractors towards the Maison de l'agriculture then from the prefecture until early afternoon, where announcements on water management and exemption from land taxes were made. A meeting which will not have met the expectations of Catalan farmers. Leading to an intensification of the movement of discontent until the evening at the southern toll with a fire of anger. As the time for negotiation does not end with this demonstration, other movements could be organized in the times to come.
And the entrance signs of the municipalities waltzed into the Basse in Perpignan, under the windows of the prefecture. These street furniture removed by farmers in the Pyrénées-Orientales to let the region know the disarray in which they are stuck. This Tuesday, November 26, 2024, this new angry gesture was just one step in the day of demands and discontent of these men and women working ardently on the land every day to support the local population. Which, in addition to being stunned by a drought that has persisted for years, are unable (or very little) to obtain the expected aid from state power. While the evils are legion.
For two years due to lack of water, my vine yields have decreased by half
At daybreak, perched on her tractor in front of the exhibition center from where one of the processions of tractors involved in the demonstration sets off, no one knows if it is the sun or the glimmer of hope that illuminates the look of Valentine, 27 years old, farmer in Saint-Nazaire. “My grandfather, who always protested loudly and clearly, advised me against doing this job. However, it’s a shame that he didn’t see me working his land before leaving us”shares this young mother, fourth generation of the Cambres family to make a living from market gardening.
“Our orchards are part of our lives. It’s terrible when we see them die. So today, the cup is full”she warns. Because “access to water is problematic due to drought”, “organic is too complicated in production and marketing”, “plant protection products are removed and not replaced”: “How can we still manage to produce?” “For two years due to lack of water, my vine yields have fallen by half. If it doesn't rain this winter, will it be recoverable? Or even sustainable? asks Joan, winegrower and arborist in Pollestres. The economic survival of my structure, and my profession, is at stake.” “We have just had a very small harvest, testifies Alain, winegrower in Tarerach. If no measures are taken, how can we rotate our staff and pay them? We have a responsibility to support families.”
We work with two full-time secretaries. For the papers, the invoices, it's crazy
In the Cambres, the situation dictates that adaptation of cultures is essential: “My father, Alain, stopped making salads even though he built his career on it. The work is colossal in winter. We replaced them with artichokes. It's complicated, but it works.” Apricot, “It is decreasing. Although it is often a flagship crop here. As we have difficulty finding labor to harvest it, we rely on almonds and mechanization to pick them.”
The administrative aspect also weighs on daily life for Valentine: “This side job is very heavy and very long. At home, I also work with my sister Andréa, we work with two full-time secretaries. For the papers, the invoices, it's crazy. There are checks without stop. Not to mention deferred payments, advances to crops. We need cash for that! As for the regulations, they need to find a happy medium, even if yes, there is manpower. cheaper work elsewhere, and yes, certain products cannot be produced in France.”
Valentine, in charge of land preparation and processing, but also in contact with clients and accountants, highlights “the serious work of the producers and the quality of the products.” More “It has to follow behind. All we want is to make a living from our profession.”
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