Angry farmers in Aveyron: “If necessary, we are ready to go back”

Le syndicat agricole n'exclut pas un retour de la contestation. Midi libre – M. C.

After the long period of demonstrations which agitated the agricultural world, those responsible for the FDSEA are today working to realize, on the ground, the promises made by the government. The new departmental president of the union, Marie-Amélie Viargues, however, calls for recognition of "the urgency of the situation" for farmers.

Marie-Amélie Viargues was elected head of the FDSEA at the beginning of March. Since then, the new departmental president has been working to advance the issues arising from the last crisis which shook the agricultural world. And whose embers still smolder under the ashes.

"There is a lot of waiting but also a lot of weariness", slips Marie-Amélie Viargues. If the government's latest announcements (read opposite) are "attractive, we still remain attentive to what follows. This has to go through the law. But almost a week to submit an article is too long. We remain attentive and we hope that this progresses, she continues. We wonder if the legislators were fully aware of the emergency. If necessary, we are ready to go back (demonstrate, Editor’s note). Today, we believe that we must follow the files. Even if this work, on the ground, is barely visible, little felt, we are right in the middle of it."

« Lots of debates to open »

During the movement, the agricultural unions and the FDSEA in the lead had to face a form of protest emanating from their base or from uninvolved farmers. Upset at the start, the union quickly regained control. "We played our role which is that of work, maintains Marie-Amélie Viargues. Everyone is free to express their anger as they wish. Afterwards, we tried to frame things to avoid excesses. This is not the solution to making yourself heard. I think the government is aware of the problem."

A bill that worries

The deputies of the National Assembly adopted last Thursday a new bill on agricultural orientation and generational renewal. The examination of this was accelerated to respond to the anger of farmers expressed last winter. The report elevates agriculture and fishing to the rank « of major general interest, between the imperative of food sovereignty and the renewal of generations.

« We don't see ourselves too well in this bill, says Clémence Bernié, vice-president of the Young Farmers of Aveyron. It is a bit of a catch-all, while the priority is renewal, not sovereignty. »

In 2023, the organization identified 2,704 Aveyron farmers over 58 years old. A national trend since 45% of farmers will cease their activities in 2026. But Aveyron is not the worst off. With 158 installations assisted by the DJA (grant for young farmers), 34% of which are women, the department is dynamic and the first on a national scale.

« It is the fruit of an effective local policy, even if it is not perfect. Rather than improving this functional mode, the current bill risks deteriorating it, because it does not address the essential subjects of younger generations such as land, agricultural pensions…hellip ; It’s a little apprehension that bothers us,” insists Clémence Bernié. The vice-president of the Young Farmers of Aveyron nevertheless understands the desire of the public authorities to change things. And is satisfied with certain initiatives even if she expects more ambitions. « This law will facilitate the administrative part, which is currently heavy and restrictive,” specifies the Lassouts breeder. The department also benefits from a delegation from the Chamber of Agriculture regarding the installation reception point.

She also welcomes the creation of a three-year diploma, which combines management, with costing, and the technical side of the farming profession. Because guidance is one of the main solutions proposed by the Young Farmers of Aveyron union, to make the profession more attractive. « Agriculture is scary today. To encourage vocations, we must improve our orientation system and stop putting it as the last link in the chain. We must also adapt pensions, while supporting retirees with aid to make them want to pass on and, above all, change the image of the profession,” suggests Clémence Bernié. Before concluding: « It’s a difficult job, but, like everywhere, it is possible to earn a good living, go on vacation… We have to stop putting him as the last link in the chain. »

Mr. L.

"Our main challenge remains to move the files forward", she pleads. Still, the next few weeks will be crucial for agriculture, with the European elections and then, more locally, with the vote concerning the Chamber of Agriculture, in January.

On this subject, Marie-Amélie Viargues believes that’ "there are a lot of debates to open, and ideas that will come up from territories&quot ;. More than ever, the FDSEA will have to exert all its weight so that the measures announced "are finally felt in the farmyards".

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