they asked not to censor the government. The mobilization of farmers “will intensify” in the coming days, in particular to protest against the government holiday which postpones the realization of the promises made to them, the number two of Young Farmers, an ally of the majority union, told AFP.
“With censorship (from Michel Barnier’s government) et (the president of the European Commission) Ursula Von der leyen leaves for Uruguay” with the aim of concluding a free trade agreement with the Mercosur countries, “actions will evolve, they will tighten”, declared the general secretary of the JA, Quentin Le Guillous.
At the end of November, the majority trade union alliance FNSEA-JA announced a third round of demonstrations for 9 and 10 December. The first two focused on opposition to the signing of a free trade agreement with Mercosur and on the denunciation of “obstacles” to the practice of the profession. The last one was to focus on promoting a better income.
Visits to large areas are planned
“Let’s not forget income. We are planning visits to supermarkets (large and medium-sized supermarkets) to report prices that are too low (to correctly compensate the producers, according to them) and to verify the origin of the products”, explained Quentin Le Guillous.
But “we also ask (the FNSEA-JA network) to meet all the deputies to ask for an account” after the government’s censure, which included in particular the 2025 budget projects and that of financing the social security measures requested by the unions (tax relief and reduction of labor costs for seasonal workers, cancellation of the increase in taxation on agricultural diesel, etc.).
He insisted that meetings will be required of “all MPs”: “those who voted for the motion and those who did not vote for it” to seek solutions to implement the promises made to farmers since last winter. “We are not saying that we supported this or that government, but we want things to move forward,” he added.
Agricultural unions fear that the signing of the free trade agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur countries is imminent. The president of the FNSEA, Arnaud rousseau, called the fight against this treaty an “existential struggle” for French agriculture.
- What are the main reasons behind the farmers’ protests in France against government policies?
Interview wiht Quentin Le Guillous: The Growing Mobilization of Farmers Against Government Policies
Time.news Editor: Quentin, thank you for joining us today. As the general secretary of the Young Farmers (JA), you’ve been vocal about the upcoming protests mobilizing against government actions. Can you elaborate on what prompted these demonstrations?
Quentin Le Guillous: Thank you for having me. The mobilization we see is primarily driven by dissatisfaction with the government’s holiday, which has delayed the fulfillment of promises made to farmers. This has caused widespread frustration,especially as we face significant challenges that require urgent attention.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned the potential intensification of protests. What specific aspects are motivating farmers to take a stand?
Quentin Le Guillous: Yes,we anticipate that actions will evolve and intensify. The recent actions of the government, including censorship linked to the negotiations for a free trade agreement with Mercosur, have heightened tensions. Farmers feel their voices are not being heard,especially considering that we are on the brink of decisions that could have severe repercussions for French agriculture.
Time.news Editor: Ther’s talk of a third round of demonstrations scheduled for december. What will be the focus of these upcoming protests?
Quentin Le Guillous: The demonstrations on December 9 and 10 will primarily address two issues: opposition to the signing of the free trade agreement with Mercosur and a strong advocacy for better income for farmers. We want to highlight the obstacles we’re facing and ensure that our needs as producers are acknowledged and met.
Time.news Editor: You’ve also mentioned planned visits to supermarkets. what is the objective behind these visits?
Quentin Le Guillous: our goal is to report on pricing issues that inadequately compensate farmers. We will analyze price points in large and medium supermarkets to ensure products are fairly priced. additionally, verifying the origins of these products is crucial to promoting local agriculture and ensuring consumers know where their food comes from.
Time.news Editor: Beyond the demonstrations, how do you plan to engage with the government and parliamentarians regarding farmers’ issues?
Quentin Le Guillous: We are requesting meetings with all MPs to seek accountability on the promises made, especially concerning the 2025 budget and necessary social security measures for farmers.Our approach is not based on political allegiance but rather on constructive dialog to catalyze meaningful change in our sector.
Time.news editor: The fears over the imminent signing of the EU-Mercosur agreement seem significant. Can you explain why you and other agricultural unions view this as an “existential struggle” for French agriculture?
Quentin le Guillous: The implications of this agreement are profound. It threatens our local markets and could potentially undermine our standards, leading to unfair competition from imported products. This is not just about trade; it’s about the future sustainability of our domestic agriculture and the livelihoods of farmers across France.
Time.news Editor: In your view, what practical steps can farmers take to advocate for their interests in light of these challenges?
Quentin Le Guillous: Farmers should stay informed and actively participate in unions like FNSEA-JA, advocating for their rights and interests.Engaging in local discussions, attending demonstrations, and supporting initiatives that promote local produce can enhance visibility and pressure policymakers to honor their commitments to the agricultural sector.
Time.news Editor: Quentin, thank you for your insights today. Its clear that the dynamics surrounding agriculture in France are complex and require urgent attention.
Quentin Le Guillous: Thank you for the possibility to share our stance. It’s crucial for the public to understand what’s at stake,not just for farmers but for the future of agriculture in France as a whole.
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