Suppress the crisis before it becomes too big? While some actions are already underway at local level and a national mobilization, on the initiative of several agricultural unions, is expected starting next week, Michel Barnier spoke on the subject on the microphone of France Bleu, this Friday, from the Assises des Départements de France in Angers (Maine).
Farmers and fishermen “work hard to not earn much, but they do vital work”, began the Prime Minister, judging food sovereignty “a national issue”.
“There is so much anguish and desperation” among some farmers, “that’s why we need a response of confidence,” he noted, assuring that his government will provide them with a response. “Following the aid measures announced in January: we keep all our commitments,” insisted Michel Barnier, while acknowledging that “sometimes more time is needed.” But “all promises will be kept,” he insisted.
Less than a year after a movement of historic proportions, farmers, caught up in a crisis with no end in sight, are putting pressure on the new government. The demands are many, including low incomes and heavy bureaucracy. To try to answer this last point, Michel Barnier wishes to “give more space to the prefects”, offer them the ability to be “autonomous, within the framework of the law”, and allow them ”to experiment, to differentiate themselves, to sometimes deviate” , as situations can be different from one department to another. “We need adaptation to the territory,” he insisted.
Announcements in early November
Another problem reported by farmers is the fear of increased taxes at the Chinese and American borders and the fear of the signing of the European Union free trade agreement with Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia).
On this last point, however, the French political class and the agricultural world are in agreement. More than 600 parliamentarians, from different groups, expressed their opposition to the draft treaty. “We must reject it,” insisted Michel Barnier on France Bleu on Friday, assuring that Paris is “working” to convince the other members of the 27. “It is not acceptable that tens of thousands of tons of beef enter our soil with farming conditions which are not at all the same ones we impose on our farmers, which is why we reject this unfair competition”, explained the head of government.
Clearly, “France will oppose, in all cases in which it finds itself, any agreement that does not comply with the interests of European agricultural subsidiaries”, concluded Michel Barnier in this regard. But despite Paris’ refusal “under current conditions”, the EU seems determined for the moment.
In early November, Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard announced that the government intended to offer two tools to support the cash flow of farmers in difficulty: a “short-term loan” for which the state negotiates a reduced rate with banking sector and an increase in the endowment that allows for the conditional exemption of a part of social security contributions. The details will be made known by the minister in charge, said Michel Barnier.
Ten months ago a large-scale movement broke out in France, but also in other European countries. It led the government to allocate millions of euros and make numerous promises. But not all were retained. “I will do what previous governments said,” the prime minister reassured France Bleu on Friday.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Agricultural Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have a very important topic that affects the livelihoods of many: the ongoing crisis facing our agricultural sector. To shed light on this, we’re joined by Dr. Sophie Laurent, an agricultural economist and expert in rural policies. Thank you for being with us, Dr. Laurent.
Dr. Laurent: Thank you for having me!
Editor: Michel Barnier recently spoke about the distress among farmers and the need for urgency in addressing the agricultural crisis. What are the most pressing issues farmers are currently facing, in your opinion?
Dr. Laurent: The situation is quite severe. Farmers are grappling with low incomes and heavy bureaucracy. Many are feeling the burden of these economic challenges while trying to manage their everyday operations. It’s a cycle of struggle and resilience, and unfortunately, the anxiety levels are quite high among them.
Editor: Barnier emphasized the importance of confidence in the government’s response. What do you think is necessary for farmers to regain that confidence?
Dr. Laurent: It starts with transparency and timely action. The government has to follow through on the commitments it made earlier this year. Promises must be backed by practical solutions—like streamlining bureaucratic processes and providing financial support that farmers can access readily. Assurance that they will not be left behind is crucial.
Editor: He also highlighted the need for more autonomy for local prefects to adapt policies to their regions. How significant is this flexibility in addressing the sector’s challenges?
Dr. Laurent: It’s essential. Agricultural conditions can vary widely from one region to another. Allowing prefects to tailor solutions to their local needs can foster innovation and responsiveness. This decentralized approach can help implement measures that are more effective and grounded in the realities of local farming practices.
Editor: On the topic of international trade agreements, there seems to be rising concern about the potential impact of the EU-Mercosur trade deal, especially among farmers. Could you elaborate on that?
Dr. Laurent: Absolutely. Many farmers fear that this deal could lead to increased competition from agricultural products produced in countries with different standards and costs. The concern extends to potential tariffs and taxes that may disadvantage EU farmers. It’s important for stakeholders to protect local agriculture, and it’s encouraging to see a large number of parliamentarians united against this treaty.
Editor: What role do you see for farmers’ organizations in this whole scenario?
Dr. Laurent: Farmers’ unions play a critical role in advocating for their members’ interests. They provide a unified voice to represent the proposals and concerns of farmers to the government. Their mobilization, as indicated by the upcoming national actions Barnier mentioned, is vital for creating pressure for needed reforms and support.
Editor: Lastly, as we anticipate announcements from the government in early November, what are the key points you hope they will address?
Dr. Laurent: I hope they will focus on practical measures that will alleviate the financial burden on farmers, such as direct financial aid or subsidies. Additionally, clarity on bureaucratic reforms and assurance against unfair international competition are essential. fostering collaboration with farmers in policy development could lead to better outcomes for the entire sector.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Laurent, for your insights. The agricultural sector is indeed at a critical juncture, and it’s clear that addressing these challenges with urgency and precision is essential. We appreciate your time today!
Dr. Laurent: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing these important issues with you.