A true symbol, a wreath of flowers at the foot of the stele of Jean Moulin, resistant prefect of Chartres (Eure-et-Loir). The Rural Coordination of Eure-et-Loir will meet this Friday at 6pm on the Esplanade de la Résistance. Flowers will be laid “to pay homage to all the farmers who committed suicide. There is almost one a day in France,” assures Aurélie Hallain, president of the department’s agricultural union.
But above all, this meeting marks the entry into the union’s resistance. Farmers denounce the resumption of checks on the department’s farms next week. “The prefectural order suspending them expires today”, specifies the coordination.
“The controls are putting us out of business. This makes us waste hours or even days, when we are already late with work in the fields,” complains the cereal farmer. This year, rainfall and climate risks have led to significant crop failure and delays. This increases the stress on the sector”, according to the cereal producer, who underlines the pressure of these controls on which CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) aid depends.
“There is always money to control us, but not to help us”
The Minister of Agriculture’s calming measure of carrying out a single inspection per year is not sufficient for the rural coordination of Eure-et-Loir. “There is no more money in the state coffers but there is money to create this unique service to monitor us when we are already monitored every three days (through the Sentinel satellite network which allows you to monitor the evolution of the plots). There is always money to control us, but not to help us”, insists the trade unionist.
The union asks the prefect for a truce and a suspension of checks “while the Egalim law and the mirror clauses are implemented and respected”. The organization also dreams of “an agricultural exception, as for the cultural exception, otherwise in a few years there will no longer be farmers to feed us”.
After the flowers are laid, the procession of tractors will head towards the prefecture to make their demands heard and remind people of the urgency of their situation.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Aurélie Hallain, President of the Agricultural Union of Eure-et-Loir
Time.news Editor: Good evening, Aurélie, and thank you for joining us today. Your upcoming event at the Esplanade de la Résistance to honor farmers who have lost their lives to suicide is truly moving. Can you tell us what motivated this gathering?
Aurélie Hallain: Thank you for having me. This gathering is not just about remembrance; it’s a powerful statement of solidarity. Across France, nearly one farmer commits suicide every day due to overwhelming stress and uncertainty in the agricultural sector. We need to shine a light on the struggles farmers face and support one another during these trying times.
Time.news Editor: That statistic is heartbreaking. It speaks volumes about the mental health crisis within the farming community. What are some of the key issues contributing to this troubling reality?
Aurélie Hallain: Several factors are at play, including financial instability, climate change, and bureaucratic pressures. This year, for example, rain and unpredictable weather have led to significant crop failures and delays. Farmers are stressed and overwhelmed. Adding to this, we are facing a resumption of checks on our farms, which many of us feel are excessive. These inspections are not only time-consuming but also add to the pressure we are under.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned the resumption of checks. Can you elaborate on how this impacts farmers practically?
Aurélie Hallain: Absolutely. When inspectors arrive, it can take hours or even days to comply with their requirements. This time could be better spent tending to our crops and livestock. With the current climate challenges, farmers are already behind on crucial tasks, and these inspections only exacerbate the delays. It feels like an additional burden at a time when we are already struggling to stay afloat.
Time.news Editor: It sounds incredibly challenging. How can the community and government better support farmers during these difficult times?
Aurélie Hallain: There needs to be a greater understanding of the realities that farmers face. Community support and engagement are essential—whether through local initiatives, counseling services, or simply by being there for one another. Moreover, we need to advocate for policies that recognize the unique challenges of agriculture and reduce bureaucratic hurdles. For example, extending suspensions on inspections during harvest seasons could alleviate some pressure.
Time.news Editor: That seems like a sensible approach. What message do you hope to convey through the upcoming event?
Aurélie Hallain: Primarily, we want to raise awareness about the mental health crisis in agriculture and affirm that no one is alone in this fight. The farming community is resilient, but we need to come together to support one another. We also hope to urge policymakers to listen and implement changes that can improve our working conditions and mental wellbeing.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for your insights, Aurélie. Your dedication to supporting farmers is inspiring. We look forward to hearing more about the outcomes of your gathering on Friday.
Aurélie Hallain: Thank you for having me. Together, we can make a difference.