Anger of farmers: the prefect of Lozère received to talk about the hot topic of sensitive meadows

Before starting the discussions, Pierre-Jean Bros (center) spoke about his job to Philippe Castanet and Pierre Morel-À-L'Huissier. Midi Libre – Lucas Manouvrier

Many plots belonging to the Natura 2000 zone passed the status of sensitive meadows in April 2023. The farmers concerned are demanding the removal of this status and intend to move the lines. 

The square of the'former commune of Malbouzon was filled with tractors displaying clear messages on sensitive grasslands, "to be banned& quot;, this Friday February 16, 2024. At the initiative of the Sensitive Peasants collective, this gathering of around 120 people made it possible to submit the petition signed by many farmers, elected officials and citizens to the prefect of Lozère, Philippe Castanet. This petition includes in particular the request for the removal of the classification of sensitive meadows and the removal of Natura 2000 zoning (a network which brings together sites whose fauna and flora must be preserved). Since April 2023, many plots have changed their status. 

Farmers came in numbers to witness the presentation of the petition to the prefect of Lozère. Midi Libre – Lucas Manouvrier

Decreased productivity

"All land that had not been plowed for at least five years became sensitive grassland, says François Hermet, breeder in Fau-de-Peyre and member of the collective. We no longer have the right to plow them; depositing manure is regulated and we must maintain the plant cover." According to Laurent Prat, mayor of Grandvals and breeder, "there will be a considerable drop in productivity and this will create a blockage for new installations". 

In the event of non-compliance with obligations, farmers will receive this year penalties which will have a direct impact on the amount of their CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) aid: a percentage of this aid will be theirs ;will be removed.

"Inaction of the ministry"

In the Gaec Bros stable, Philippe Castanet reaffirmed his intention to escalate the issues to the Ministry of Agriculture. But don't hide the fact that a compromise will have to be found because it is "impossible that Lozère can do what it wants on its land. "We must find a realistic solution to modify the device and adapt it", he continues .

Also present at the rally, MP Pierre Morel-À-L'Huissier showed his support for farmers. And pointed the finger at the Ministry of Agriculture for its inaction, according to him, to resolve the problem. "The minister's office does not respond, it does not want to seek the solution", he supports, before ' put forward the idea of ​​a specific exemption for Lozère: "We are a special case. We have 77,000 inhabitants and 15% of the population is linked to agriculture." 

Other topics covered

While the speeches of elected officials continued, Pascal Ginsac, breeder in Grandvals, described some of them as "beautiful speeches for us to please". A debate then began in which the subject of sensitive meadows gradually took a back seat. With the tone taken up a notch. Ban on clearing, reduction in the construction of agricultural buildings, loss of certain subsidies, drought, wolf predation… Several farmers testified and explained other problems encountered on a daily basis, while They believe that their profession is becoming more and more unsustainable. Reconciling agriculture and the environment is becoming a major issue. A major challenge where farmers and politicians must try to take a step aside to find common ground.

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