Rallying for change: French farmers condemn government deceit Tired of empty promises

Frustrated by unmet commitments, French farmers have resumed protests, expressing their discontent with the government's empty promises. Six months ago, they halted their demonstrations that had blocked roads leading to major cities after the Attal government unveiled a package aimed at supporting the agricultural sector. 

The authorities pledged financial aid of 150 million euros and tax reductions for farms, along with a guarantee of two billion euros for those starting new agricultural ventures. However, under the new leadership of Barnier, the government has failed to deliver on these promises, prompting farmers to take to the streets once more.

On October 10, farmers from the French National Federation of Farmers' Unions (FNSEA) and the Young Agricultural Workers (JA) demonstrated in Evreux, Bern, and Les Andelys, according to the French website Actu.fr. In Bern, a group of farmers gathered peacefully in front of the sub-prefecture, announcing their intentions in a press release sent to the media.

“The government is deceiving us, and we can't get anything done. What has become of the promises made at the beginning of the year?” representatives from both unions stated in the release.

Earlier this year, demonstrations erupted across France, with about fifty tractors and 200 farmers spreading straw in front of the sub-prefecture in Bern on January 23. This time, however, only about thirty farmers participated. The demonstration aimed to remain “quiet,” yet armed with signs marking the entrances and exits of various towns and villages (including Bernay, Chamblac, Bozel, and Epinay), the farmers made it clear they are still determined to fight for their cause.

French agriculture faces significant challenges

Farmers are sounding the alarm that French agriculture is under severe threat. They cite declining production volumes and a shrinking market share, with imports now accounting for over 50% of the nation’s food supplies. Additionally, they express concerns over stagnant incomes, low morale, a professional crisis, and uncertainties surrounding production methods.

Laurent Duclos of the FNSEA acknowledged in his presentation that “some progress” has been made since the protests in January 2024. He praised the collaborative efforts with Prefect Simon Babre, with whom farmers hold monthly meetings.

However, there is apprehension among farmers that these “victories” may not be secure. “We would like to see the gains we’ve made through negotiation solidified,” Duclos stated.

“Farmers are looking for concrete actions that will provide them with a sense of direction and clarity about their role in the eyes of the nation and Europe,” emphasized the activists.

Meanwhile, the French website Boulevard Voltaire reports that following the livestock summit from October 4 to 10, young farmers, unconvinced by the Prime Minister's statements, have launched a new movement. They are seeking more decisive actions by turning over signs in towns and villages across their departments.

The movement dubbed “On marche sur la tête” (“We walk on our heads”) has emerged to denounce the increasingly absurd administrative standards that French farmers face, which many believe are compounded by crippling national and European regulations. Lacking a proper response from politicians, this initiative transformed into a mass protest movement uniting the entire farming community in January. For weeks, tractors blocked highways, compelling politicians to address the pressing demands of French farmers.

“While we understand that the new government won’t be able to resolve all our issues overnight, farmers have high expectations,” stated Guillaume Oudy, spokesman for the Young Agricultural Workers union, in an interview with Boulevard Voltaire.

To express their impatience, members of his union conducted a peaceful action on the night of October 8-9, exchanging signs in several communes of Yvelines, as showcased on their Instagram page.

“Although the FNSEA union welcomed some of Michel Barnier's statements, these measures are insufficient to address the unprecedented crisis facing French livestock farmers,” the union remarked in a press release.

“Since the dissolution of the National Assembly in July, all the promises and discussions that had previously taken place between farmers and the ruling class have fallen by the wayside,” Oudy added.

Despite some minor government measures, farmers assert that their core demands remain unchanged. These include opposing bans on plant protection products without viable alternatives, establishing fairer standards at the European level to combat unfair competition, simplifying administrative burdens, and ensuring immediate access to subsidies and assistance.

Demonstrations resume

“The government has attempted to placate farmers' frustrations with a series of minor measures,” a member of the Young Agricultural Workers union told Boulevard Voltaire. The union is contemplating a more robust national action plan if their warnings continue to go unheeded. “We must remember that there are farmers who have nothing left to lose,” they added.

Representatives from the Rural Coordination union have indicated that further demonstrations are planned in locations such as the Eastern Pyrenees, Toulouse, Nancy, and Poitiers, following various localized protests. They also mentioned that a national appeal from the union could be initiated if the government remains unresponsive.

In light of the ongoing crisis, with a farmer reportedly taking their own life every two days, there is hope that this time authorities will genuinely listen to the struggles of those who feed the nation, as reported by French media.

By Tamilla Hasanova