2024-11-17 16:50:00
[Article publié le dimanche 17 novembre 2024 à 12h17 et mis à jour à 18h32] Free trade treaty with Mercosur, improved income, food sovereignty… The reasons for agricultural anger are numerous. “ Everyone shares the feeling that the spring demonstrations did not fully produce the hoped-for results, and that the software change that was requested was not made. », testifies Arnaud Rousseau, president of the FNSEA, in the columns of La Tribune Sunday.
All over France, demonstrations have already started. 82 actions were recorded across the country until Tuesday, according to Arnaud Rousseau, notably in front of prefectures or on roundabouts called “ roundabouts of Europe », from our colleagues at BFMTV. La Tribune has identified the municipalities that will be affected by the social movement through an interactive map that can be viewed below.
In Yvelines, a blockage bringing together nearly 300 farmers from Île-de-France is expected late this Sunday afternoon on the RN118 towards Paris near Vélizy-Villacoublay, we can read on the website of the prefecture. Questioned by our colleagues from RTL, during the program Le Grand Jury, the Minister of the Interior warned that there would be a “ zero tolerance ”, in the event of a blockage.
« If there is a lasting blockage, we will not hesitate to call upon the mobile forces (mobile gendarmes and CRS, Editor’s note),” he underlined.
Specified devices
The government clarified last Friday the terms of the loans to which farmers in difficulty will be able to claim, a pressing request from the trade union organizations which then welcomed the measures while demanding their implementation ” urgent ».
Two systems are intended to be put in place in the form of loans distributed by banks wishing to participate, detailed the Ministry of Agriculture in a press release. According to the ministry, a first system is designed to deal with economic difficulties (climatic or health hazards), in the form of medium-term loans capped at 50,000 euros per farm. Farmers who have lost at least 20% of their turnover in 2024 compared to their historical reference average will be eligible.
A second device will concern the difficulties “ more structural due, for example, to the impact of climate change “. It will take the form of “ long-term consolidation loans (maximum 12 years) », granted by banking establishments and backed by a public guarantee deployed by Bpifrance. The amount of this loan will be capped at 200,000 euros. The guarantee system will be operational at the start of 2025. Farmers whose overall debt ratio is greater than 50% will be eligible.
1731905526
#map #farmers #actions #planned #Monday
How does Arnaud Rousseau propose to address the frustrations of farmers regarding unfulfilled government promises?
### Interview with Arnaud Rousseau, President of FNSEA
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Arnaud. With the recent demonstrations by farmers across France, can you share the key issues that are driving this unrest?
**Arnaud Rousseau:** Thank you for having me. The primary concerns stem from several factors, including the implications of the free trade treaty with Mercosur, which many farmers believe threatens our local agriculture. Additionally, there’s a broader sentiment of frustration over promises made by the government, particularly regarding improved incomes and food sovereignty. Unfortunately, many of these promises remain unfulfilled, leading to growing discontent among farmers.
**Editor:** You mentioned that many are feeling a lack of impactful change since the spring demonstrations. What specific changes were farmers hoping to see?
**Arnaud Rousseau:** Farmers were looking for substantive reforms in agricultural policies that would ensure fair pricing, sustainable practices, and support for local produce. The “software change” we requested was more than just a shift in approach; it was a call for action to secure our livelihoods and protect our food systems. Many feel that the government has not adequately addressed these needs.
**Editor:** Demonstrations have already begun nationwide. Can you tell us where these actions are taking place and what forms they are taking?
**Arnaud Rousseau:** Yes, we have recorded 82 different actions across the country, particularly in front of prefectures and at the so-called “roundabouts of Europe.” A notable gathering is happening today in Yvelines, with plans for blockage on the RN118 towards Paris. This is part of a coordinated effort to make our voices heard.
**Editor:** The Minister of the Interior has warned of “zero tolerance” for any disruptions. How do you respond to this stance?
**Arnaud Rousseau:** While we respect the rule of law, we believe that peaceful demonstrations are a vital form of expression. Farmers are simply standing up for their rights and livelihoods. We hope the government will listen to our concerns rather than meet protests with force.
**Editor:** What are the next steps for farmers in this movement?
**Arnaud Rousseau:** We’ll continue mobilizing and raising awareness about our plight. It’s crucial for us to unite and demonstrate that our agriculture system is at stake. We seek dialogue with the government to address these pressing issues and strive for a resolution that protects farmers and our agricultural heritage.
**Editor:** Thank you, Arnaud, for sharing your insights and the farmers’ perspectives during this critical time.
**Arnaud Rousseau:** Thank you for having me. It’s important to keep this conversation going.
