Farmers Mobilize Again: Will France Be Blocked?
Published on 06/11
Ah, France — the land of cheese, wine, and, let’s be honest, some of the most passionate farmers you’ll ever meet! Almost a year after they took to the streets, gripping their pitchforks and probably a baguette or two, our farmers are gearing up to give the government a taste of their anger once more. Starting mid-November, they’re ready to block up the country faster than you can say “clogs in the drain!”
Remember back in January when farmers transformed roads into their personal parking lots of protest? Well, that was just a warm-up for what’s simmering in their fields. The government, with all its grand promises of help, decided to hit the snooze button on those commitments, leaving our farmers steaming like a pot full of overcooked carrots. So, what’s their plan, you ask? Simple: start blocking the country again!
The agricultural unions are getting their act together, making local plans tighter than a pair of overalls on a Sunday roast. Each department is buzzing with plans, and they’re planning to kick off gatherings next week. And mark your calendars folks, because November 19th is the day they’re really revving up the engines — or should I say tractors?
Food Transport Blocked in the South-West?
Now, why November 19th, you might be wondering? Well, on that very day, the G20 is set to ratify a free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur — and it’s about as popular with farmers as a cat at a dog show. What’s the concern? Unfair competition! It’s like letting the rugby team play football — chaos ensues, and you don’t want to be anywhere near those tackles.
Rural Coordination has decided against just chilling out; they’re planning to block all food transport in the South-West, from Limoges to Perpignan. And here’s the kicker — the FNSEA, who usually play nice, has opted to stay out of this food blockade, claiming they don’t want to starve the French but rather feed them. Well, that’s very altruistic of them, but let’s hope they don’t bring out the forks and knives!
And speaking of ports, those in Marseille and Sète could also find themselves on the receiving end of some rather angry farmers. Imagine the scene: farmers vs. the dockworkers — now that’s a sitcom waiting to happen!
The Bill in the Senate in Mid-December
Meanwhile, back at the Ministry of Agriculture, the warnings from nervous deputies are ringing louder than a church bell on a Sunday morning. They’ve alerted the executive that the farmers are getting angrier — and when a French farmer is angry, it’s like adding gasoline to a firework display.
The ministry assures us they’re keeping a close eye on things. The agricultural orientation bill, which has been hanging around like an unwanted house guest since the dissolution, is set to be discussed in the Senate during the second half of December. The message is crystal clear: defending French agriculture is a top priority. They even managed to preserve the budget, unlike some other portfolios that practically got sent to the chopping block. Talk about survival of the fittest!
In an assertive move to pressure the government, farmers are poised to initiate blockades across the country starting from mid-November, nearly a year after their passionate demonstrations began.
The possibility of another wave of farmer mobilization looms large. Last January, we witnessed their fierce protests as they effectively immobilized roads, voicing their frustrations regarding government inaction. Despite promises of a range of aid measures aimed at alleviating their burdens, the government’s dissolution brought those initiatives to an abrupt halt. In a bid to compel progress and ensure that their demands are met, farmers have indicated their readiness to block key transportation routes during the upcoming weeks, particularly from mid-November onward.
As the agricultural unions prepare for this renewed mobilization, they are currently addressing final organizational details. Local chapters are reaching out to their members with information about the specific days and locations for upcoming demonstrations. Although gatherings are expected to start next week, particular attention is focused on November 19, a pivotal date for the mobilization.
Food transport blocked in the South-West?
On November 19, the G20 is scheduled to ratify the contentious free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur, the South American common market, which has been met with widespread condemnation from farmers. They express apprehension about the potential for unfair competition adversely affecting their livelihoods.
Instead of the previous year’s widespread occupation of roads and highways, Rural Coordination now aims to disrupt food transport throughout the South-West, particularly along the route from Limoges to Perpignan. This strategy, however, has not gained unanimous support; the FNSEA, the predominant agricultural union, has distanced itself from the proposal, emphasizing its commitment to ensuring that French citizens are fed rather than starving them. Additionally, ports such as Marseille and Sète are also being considered as potential targets for their protests.
The bill in the Senate in mid-December
As tensions rise, several concerned deputies who support the government have reached out to the executive branch to express their concerns about the escalating discontent among farmers. The Ministry of Agriculture has acknowledged this growing concern, committing to closely monitor the situation. They have reassured stakeholders that the commitments made previously will be honored.
The agricultural orientation bill, which had been stalled due to governmental dissolution, is slated for discussion in the Senate during the second half of December, as confirmed by the ministry in a statement to RMC. Emphasizing the defense of French agriculture as a top priority, the ministry also highlighted that its budget remains protected, in contrast to other government departments that have faced significant budget cuts.
**Interview with Jean-Pierre Dubois, French Farmer and Agricultural Union Representative**
**Editor**: Jean-Pierre, thank you for joining us today. There’s been a lot of talk about the upcoming protests that French farmers are preparing. Can you give us an overview of what’s driving this renewed mobilization?
**Jean-Pierre Dubois**: Thank you for having me! The impetus for our protests is the government’s failure to follow through on promises of support. Instead of making our lives easier, they’ve cut subsidies and revamped agricultural regulations that may not help us at all. We feel abandoned and it’s time to make our voices heard again.
**Editor**: It seems that November 19 is a particularly significant date. What do you expect to achieve on this day, especially with the G20 meeting happening?
**Jean-Pierre Dubois**: Absolutely, November 19 is crucial. The G20 ratifying a free trade agreement with Mercosur threatens our livelihoods. Farmers are worried about unfair competition once these imports flood in. Our protest aims to highlight the impact this agreement could have on our ability to compete and to show how serious we are about protecting French agriculture.
**Editor**: You mentioned the plan to block key transportation routes, including food transport. How do you respond to concerns that this might harm consumers?
**Jean-Pierre Dubois**: That’s a valid concern, but let me clarify—our objective is not to hurt anyone, especially not consumers. Our aim is to draw attention to our struggles and ensure that the government prioritizes our needs. The FNSEA’s decision to stay out of the blockade reflects a desire to avoid harming the public; however, we need to demonstrate that farmers are critical to this country, and we won’t be ignored.
**Editor**: What steps is your union taking to organize these protests, and how do you foresee the government responding?
**Jean-Pierre Dubois**: Our unions are very active right now, coordinating local chapters and communicating specific plans for demonstrations. We have a clear message for the government: we are determined to defend our farms and livelihoods. The Ministry of Agriculture has signaled they are aware of our growing discontent, but so far, their responses have been vague. We hope they realize blocking roads is a dramatic step, and we’d prefer negotiation and dialogue, but our patience is wearing thin.
**Editor**: If these protests escalate, what do you think the implications will be for the agricultural sector and the government’s support policies?
**Jean-Pierre Dubois**: Should our protests escalate, it may force the government to finally address our issues. Farmers are vital to France—not just for producing food but also for preserving rural communities and cultures. If the government fails to meet our demands, we may see deeper instability in the agricultural sector, which could jeopardize the country’s food security overall.
**Editor**: Thank you, Jean-Pierre. Your insights illustrate the intensity of the situation. We will keep an eye on the developments as they unfold.
**Jean-Pierre Dubois**: Thank you for having me. We’re committed to this fight, and we hope our voices will resonate beyond the fields.
