2024-11-18 21:02:00
Tires and pallets engulfed in large flames, black smoke and small explosions. This Monday evening, at the call of the FDSEA and the Young Farmers (JA31), a “fire of anger” lit a roundabout in Villefranche-de-Lauragais, south-east of Toulouse. The imminent signing of the Mercosur treaty with the Latin American countries is the spark that rekindles the anger of the agricultural world. But the fire that has been smoldering for a year is more general in a profession that is more in difficulty than ever. Julien, vice president of JA31, is a producer of cereals, organic and conventional. Come back for 20 minutes about this “warning shot” which perhaps presages a great explosion.
Why this return of peasant anger, what are your requests?
This fire of anger wants to express our stove because the agricultural sector is completely neglected. Something should have been done, except that with the dissolution of the National Assembly we lost a year. Let’s start from scratch. But we can’t start from scratch forever. At some point, the anger will be so great that we will no longer be able to control anything. We will have to carry out our threats.
What we want today is to be able to live normally from our work, without even talking about earning a good living, which we have never had the chance to do. What we ask is to live simply, without being overwhelmed by standards.
What difficulties do you face on a daily basis?
If I take my example, that of a farm that I work with my father on my grandfather’s land, this is the second consecutive year that we have had negative income. This had never happened in the family. We started to doubt, to think about working differently. But actually no, it’s like that everywhere. This year it’s not complicated, we sold our organic wheat, which has three times less yield, at half the price of conventional wheat. We can’t continue like this, we can’t live anymore.
And since I can’t generate income from my farm, I went looking for one outside. For a year I have been a teacher at the agricultural high school of Castelnaudary.
Why does agricultural rabies always appear in the dead of winter?
Our only boss is time. We go out when we can, and it is the period that suits everyone: it is the end of important work – plowing and sowing – for cereal growers, and before the calving period begins for breeders.
Is Mercosur stirring the dust? And do you, as a cereal farmer, feel worried?
We sell our cereals to our farmers and if our farmers find themselves in difficulty the entire supply chain will be affected. Not to mention the GMO soy that is already arriving. We trade planes or cars for wheat, and agriculture always ends up being the adjustment variable.
How can consumers support local farmers in the face of rising costs and international competition?
Interview: Time.news Editor with Julien Bourrounet, Vice President of Young Farmers (JA31)
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Julien. We witnessed a dramatic event the other night in Villefranche-de-Lauragais, with a significant protest against the upcoming Mercosur treaty. Can you explain what led to this fiery display of anger?
Julien Bourrounet: Thank you for having me. The fire you saw was a manifestation of deep-seated frustration within our agricultural community. We’re not just protesting against the Mercosur treaty alone; it’s a broader cry for recognition of the difficulties we face as farmers. Over the past year, we’ve seen rising costs, unpredictable weather, and a lack of support from the government. This treaty, which threatens to open our markets to cheaper imports from Latin America, is simply the last straw for many of us.
Editor: It sounds like there’s a serious concern about the future of sustainability for local farmers. What specific changes or actions are you seeking from the government?
Julien Bourrounet: Our main demand is the ability to produce sustainably while also making a living from our work. We want policies that not only protect our markets but also incentivize local and organic farming. We need investment in rural areas, better infrastructure, and more accessible funding for young farmers. After the dissolution of the National Assembly, our voices have gone unheard, and our patience is wearing thin.
Editor: You mentioned a year lost due to political stagnation. Do you believe there’s still time for meaningful dialogue before the situation escalates further?
Julien Bourrounet: There is always time for dialogue, but it needs to be genuine. We need to feel that our concerns are being actively addressed, not brushed aside. The anger simmering within our community can only be contained for so long. If the government continues to ignore us, I fear we’ll have no choice but to escalate our protests.
Editor: There’s a growing narrative that many farmers feel abandoned by old political structures. Would you say this fire represents just the beginning of a larger movement?
Julien Bourrounet: Absolutely. This is just a warning shot. The reality is that many farmers in France and beyond are struggling not just to survive, but to thrive. We are passionate about our work and committed to our communities, but if we are pushed to our breaking point, we will react. This movement is about survival, not just for us as farmers but for the food security of our nation.
Editor: It’s clear that the stakes are high. What message would you like to convey to consumers and the general public regarding this situation?
Julien Bourrounet: I want the public to understand that when they buy local produce, they’re not just supporting their health; they’re supporting their local economy and future generations of farmers. Investing in local agriculture is investing in a sustainable future. We are here to provide, but we need that support in return—it’s a partnership.
Editor: Thank you, Julien. It sounds like a pivotal moment in agricultural history. We appreciate your insights and hope for a productive resolution to these challenges.
Julien Bourrounet: Thank you for having me. I remain optimistic that with open dialogue, we can find a path forward that respects both our farmers and our consumers.
