In Belle-Ile-en-Mer, a large-scale wine project arouses rebellion.
It is worn by businessman Christian Latouche, 39th French fortune.
A petition against this project has already gathered more than 35,000 signatories.
They don't want vines on their island. In Belle-Ile-en-Mer (Morbihan), a collective is standing up against a vast wine project led by businessman Christian Latouche. In less than a week, more than 35,000 people have signed a petition against this project for which a public inquiry opened on Monday. "You will make the decision to grant or refuse the authorization to create a large-scale wine-growing operation at Belle-Ile-en-mer, several hectares of which are planned on the Wild Coast, on land classified Natura 2000" , write the petitioners in a letter addressed to the prefect of Morbihan.
“There is nothing Bellilois about this project.
It is the opposite of island agricultural development on a human scale and respectful of its environment.
It is carried by one of the greatest fortunes in France, which intends to make a financial investment here, ”the text continues.
A project led by the 39th French fortune
This wine project is led by Christian Latouche, CEO of Fiducial and 39th French fortune with 1.2 billion euros in assets according to Forbes magazine.
The agricultural project would be supplemented by a reception and tasting center.
Christian Latouche also owns the Vallongue estate, near Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
"We are fervent supporters of agricultural development in Belle-Ile which makes it possible to reduce our food dependence on the continent", notably argued, during a press point this Monday morning, Gilles Smadja, president of the association La Bruyère Vagabonde, at the origin of this petition.
According to an official 2019 study, the 85 km² island, with around 40 farms, covers 6% of its food needs.
Four hectares of vines have already been planted
"It is a project which induces a type of tourist development which goes completely against what makes Belle-Ile so attractive today, its immense natural and preserved spaces", he continues.
According to opponents, even before the official decision of the prefecture, four hectares of vines have already been planted in recent weeks on land acquired by the company from Christian Latouche in Petit Cosquer.
The public inquiry is scheduled until June 17.
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