Lionel Gougelot (in Cambrai) 7:34 a.m., March 5, 2024

Promised during the agricultural crisis, the government is starting to open aid desks throughout the country intended for professionals in the sector.

In Cambrai, in the Nord department, many people flocked this Monday morning to discuss their problems, on the occasion of the opening of the service. 

Barely opened and already taken by storm!

The aid windows for farmers promised by the government are starting to open almost everywhere in France, in the sub-prefectures.

Reception is provided by agents from the Regional Directorate of Public Finance, the French Biodiversity Office and the Regional Food Directorate.

The objective is to provide concrete and rapid answers to each operator, particularly regarding the famous standards and their simplification. 

>> Find Europe 1 Matin in replay and podcast here

Start the dialogue

A little lost in environmental regulations, Emmanuel, an operator near Cambrai, wanted to meet the representative of the French Office for Biodiversity (OFB).

“They should not come to see us just to sue us and tell us what to do or not to do. Above all, we must explain,” he insists at the microphone of Europe 1. 

On a small white desk, a frank dialogue begins, with live explanations from the representative of the OFB, an administration often singled out during farmers' demonstrations.

“Environmental standards make sense, we have every interest in ensuring that they are respected,” assures the civil servant in front of the farmer. 

“When you have a good contact, 80% of the work is done”

These administrations come into contact on concrete subjects, in particular the public finance representative.

“The areas of concern are mainly about the reimbursement of non-road diesel (GNR), concerns about loans guaranteed by the State, about the electricity shield” explains the official.

Before adding: “When you have a good contact, 80% of the work is done.” 

And the meetings are widely considered useful by agricultural professionals, like Jean-Paul, who came to resolve a land consolidation problem.

“It allows us to expose our personal problems and even if they don’t have an answer, they refer us directly to even more competent people,” he says. 

Smoke?

But Denis Gosselet, the local head of the FDSEA, remains cautious and is waiting to see what the concrete effects of these meetings will be.

"You know, we, the people of the earth, are very pragmatic people. So, we will see what happens next, we hope that it is not a smokescreen and communication stunt and that there will be something concrete and we will move forward on the issues that concern us,” the trade unionist told Europe 1. 

READ ALSO >>

 Anger of farmers: “We will continue to have actions on the ground,” says the boss of the FNSEA

These meetings will be held every week, promises the sub-prefect of Cambrai.

And summaries will then be sent to the Government.