The president of the FNSEA Arnaud Rousseau denounced in a statement on Friday the “deplorable methods” and “unacceptable threats” of the representatives of the agricultural union in competition with the Rural Coordination, who interrupted his trip to Agen (Lot-et-Garonne) . to AFP.
“I remind you that the FNSEA and the Young Farmers are in the majority in 95% of the Chambers (of agriculture) and that for my part I will never accept that the president of the Rural Coordination cannot go to a department that is physically threatened”, he declared Arnaud Rousseau.
He had to be escorted by the police to leave the national congress of vegetable producers, organized by a specialized association of the FNSEA and where he had just spoken.
🚜🚨 ROUSSEAU EXPHILED FROM THE CRS!
Arnaud Rousseau, the industrialist and president of the FNSEA, leaves the Agen conference centre refusing to dialog with the farmers he despises. #RevoltPaysanne pic.twitter.com/Tjj1WfybgA
— Resistance Paysanne (@ResistPaysanne) November 22, 2024
“Look for escalation, buzz”
After his speech, around fifty activists from the Rural Coordination of Lot-et-Garonne, the historic stronghold of the CR, gathered in front of the gates of the Agen exhibition centre, protected by around thirty helmeted CRS. The president of the local Chamber of Agriculture and CR figure, Serge Bousquet-Cassagne, said he wanted to ”prevent” the departure of the head of the FNSEA.
“These are just methods that I find absolutely deplorable. I reserve the right to file a complaint, but for the moment I have not done so”, declared Arnaud Rousseau, specifying that he left “at the request of the prefect”, escorted by “two police officers to a car parked in the front.
“The fact that FNSEA is being targeted is not the first time, but here, whether it is farmers, this questions me why it does not advance the agricultural project,” he said.
“The Rural Coordination, in the context of its congress (held on Tuesday and Wednesday) had only one objective, to attack the FNSEA. It doesn’t bother me in the context of the House elections (in January), but it’s not a blueprint for agriculture, or even chaos,” he insisted.
“He’s looking for escalation, buzz. These people don’t work to find solutions,” he said.
The situation is becoming tense on the ground as agricultural professional elections approach. The Rural Coordination, whose yellow caps have gained visibility since last winter by multiplying incisive actions, hopes to steal between 15 and 20 rooms from the majority FNSEA-JA alliance.
How can dialog between conflicting agricultural groups lead to better outcomes for farmers?
Interview: A Confrontation in Agriculture
Editor of Time.news: Good afternoon! Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Marie Lavigne, an expert in agricultural policy and rural dynamics. Recently, tensions have escalated within the agricultural community, particularly between the FNSEA and the Rural Coordination. Dr. Lavigne, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Lavigne: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss this important issue.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Last week, FNSEA president Arnaud Rousseau condemned what he termed the “deplorable methods” of the Rural Coordination during his visit to Agen. What do you make of this conflict?
Dr. Lavigne: It’s alarming to see such tensions escalate to the level of threats and physical confrontations. Rousseau’s comments reflect a deepening divide within the agricultural sector, where differing ideologies and interests are increasingly at odds.
Editor: Rousseau mentioned that his group holds a majority in 95% of the Chambers of Agriculture. How significant is that statistic in understanding the dynamics at play?
Dr. Lavigne: That statistic is crucial. It highlights the institutional power of the FNSEA, which represents more conventional agricultural practices, while the Rural Coordination embodies a more dissident perspective advocating for sustainable and small-scale farming. This majority status gives FNSEA leverage in negotiations and political discussions, but it also evokes pushback from those feeling marginalized.
Editor: After a contentious speech at the national congress of vegetable producers, Rousseau had to be escorted from the venue by police. What does this say about the current climate among agricultural representatives?
Dr. Lavigne: Such an extreme measure is indicative of the heightened emotions in the agricultural sector. The fact that Rousseau needed police protection underscores the severity of the dissent against him and his organization. It suggests that conversations that should lead to collaboration are instead turning into confrontations, which is regrettably counterproductive for all involved.
Editor: Following Rousseau’s speech, about fifty activists from the Rural Coordination protested outside the conference. Can you explain the significance of such protests in this context?
Dr. Lavigne: Protests like these serve as a public statement of discontent and a call for change. They bring visibility to the concerns of those who feel their voices are not being represented in larger agricultural discussions. In this case, it also illustrates the frustration over what activists perceive as disdain from the FNSEA leadership toward alternative farming models and practices.
Editor: In light of this ongoing conflict, what steps do you think both sides can take to reduce tensions and foster a more productive dialog?
Dr. Lavigne: Both FNSEA and Rural Coordination need to prioritize dialog over confrontation. Establishing a forum for open discussions could be beneficial. It’s essential for representatives from both sides to listen to the concerns of the other and seek common ground. Collaboration on sustainable agricultural practices that satisfy both large producers and smaller farmers could pave the way for a more united front moving forward.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lavigne, for your insights on this pressing issue in the agricultural community. As tensions continue to rise, it’s evident that constructive communication is more vital than ever.
Dr. Lavigne: Thank you for having me. It’s a critical time for agriculture, and I hope that all parties can find a way to work together for the greater good.
Editor: We appreciate your expertise and look forward to seeing how this situation develops. Until next time!
