“If nothing changes, our entire agricultural model is under threat,” warned Bertrand Petit, president of the FNSEA. 28. With the support of the National Federation of Farmers’ Unions in the department, the Young Farmers of Eure-et-Loir organized a symbolic mobilization called “Fire of Rage” this Wednesday, November 12 at three locations in the department: Propylées in Chartres, the N 154 roundabout in Allaines and the Luigny motorway exit. Without violence or blocking roads, the protesters chose to light a fire that was visible from the main road to awaken public opinion to the critical situation in the world of agriculture.
“You are right, I am with you”
Farmers denounced the “triple penalty”: the creation of a border carbon adjustment mechanism (MACF), trade agreements such as Mercosur and the common agricultural policy (CAP) deemed less favorable. So many measures they say are strangling agriculture already weakened by rising production costs. “We impose a carbon tax while allowing the entry of foreign products that do not comply with any rules,” complained Sylvain Marcuard, president of Jeunes Agriculteurs 28.
According to Bertrand Petit, president of FNSEA 28, the increase in fertilizer prices represents an additional cost of more than 100 euros per hectare, with +120 euros per ton for nitrogen solution and +140 euros for urea. In twenty years, national production has fallen by 28% in cattle, 13% in poultry, and 10% in crops. Farmers worry that the Mercosur agreement will accentuate unfair competition by paving the way for imported products – “meat with hormones, fake honey or eggs produced outside standards” – even as aid from Europe dwindles.
Around roundabouts, some motorists showed their support by honking as they passed, such as in Chartres, at the Propylées roundabout, where encouraging signals were heard throughout the night. “Block everyone, you’re right, I’m with you,” said Aurélien, a Charttrainer who stopped for a moment due to a slight slowdown caused by the rider in front of the fire, which was more than five meters high, in the middle of the roundabout. “Support for our farmers,” said another driver, while Jacques, who is retired, greeted “our farmers” with a blunt “bravo”.
“Where is the consistency?”
But some people passing by seemed quieter. René, from Luisant, said he “no longer understands the demands very well” and wondered: “They denounce French standards, but also use them to reject foreign products. Where is the consistency? » Véronique regrets that the breeders affected by the dismissal “are not more supported by their colleagues”. “Go to Paris, not Chartres,” says Monique, while Alex, the fatalist, believes that “unfortunately, it will not change anything.”
If the mobilization proceeded calmly and without hindrance, tensions were still evident in the Eurelian campaign. Farming organizations warn: without a real response from governments and Europe, anger will soon reach a larger scale – as experienced a year ago.
