Martin Lange, special correspondent in Loir-et-Cher / Photo credit: GREGORY DZIEDZIC / HANS LUCAS / HANS LUCAS VIA AFP 3:50 p.m., February 1, 2024

The convoy of Rural Coordination tractors, coming from Lot-et-Garonne, which wanted to reach the Rungis market, was stopped on Wednesday evening by the police. Europe 1 is in Loir-et-Cher, within the procession, where confusion reigns. Farmers are hesitating between continuing their journey or turning back.

Stop or still? This is the dilemma that torments the farmers of the Lot-et-Garonne Rural Coordination who are currently in Loir-et-Cher. While they wanted to reach the Rungis market, they were stopped on Wednesday evening by the police. 

In Pierrefitte-sur-Sauldre, about fifty kilometers south of Orléans, the farmers met on a farm and were waiting for some of their comrades who had managed to cross the Loire on Wednesday evening. They all say they are very upset by the treatment they are receiving. Notably José, who spent the night in Sully-sur-Loire. "We don't understand this treatment. We were taken for highway bandits. It's scandalous. It has amplified our determination. We will not give up."

“I think it’s good to take a little break”

The farmers met in a shed to discuss, away from journalists, in order to make a decision. Return, as requested by the prefect, and as their representative wishes, or continue the forcing to approach Paris. José seems resigned. "There is a consultation between us. Several options are on the table. The objective was to go to Rungis, but, from my point of view, I think it is good to take a little break" . 

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Overall, resignation predominates in the convoy. The farmers met all share the desire to continue the movement. But, faced with the barrage of the police, they begin to lose hope and consider returning home. Many tractors are also refueling to get back on the road, towards Agen.