Jean-Luc Boujon (special correspondent in Bourg-en-Bresse) / Photo credits: Estelle Ruiz / Hans Lucas / Hans Lucas via AFP 8:10 a.m., February 21, 2024
A few days before the Agricultural Show, farmers in Bourg-en-Bresse, in Ain, continue to mobilize. At the call of the FNSEA and the Young Farmers, they blocked the entrances and exits of two main large-scale distribution purchasing centers. Europe 1 met them.
Farmers continue to put pressure on the government even though the presidents of the FNSEA and Young Farmers were received this Tuesday by Emmanuel Macron. This Wednesday, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal will make announcements concerning agriculture during a press conference, just before the council of ministers. A few days before the Agricultural Show, operators in Bourg-en-Bresse, in Ain, are blocking purchasing centers from this Wednesday. Europe 1 went to their side.
“Major distribution is not playing the game”
Two large-scale retail purchasing centers in the sights of Bourg-en-Bresse farmers. “We are starting to block the entry and exit of trucks. To really show that today, mass distribution is not playing the game. None, there is no brand that does 100% local production and which pays farmers at the real cost of production", explains Justin Chatard, head of the Young Farmers of the region.
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The union also denounces deception by distributors who target consumers: "We found labeling with French flags displayed on the front. And when we turn the product over and look at the small lines, we realize that the raw material comes from abroad.
“The government must be aware of this!”
Putting pressure on mass distribution is also a way of keeping it on the government, believes Jonathan Janichon, president of the FDSEA of Ain. "The government really needs to move very quickly and realize that we won't have the right to do it twice. If we don't manage to achieve our goal this time, that means we'll have to do it again. divide the number of farmers by two. And this time, we will really have problems feeding the population. The government must be aware of that!”, he explains on Europe 1.
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Blockages should become widespread from Thursday for several days throughout the region, particularly near Lyon.