[VIDEO] Farmers' blockages: the French Biodiversity Office targeted by the Lozère Rural Coordination

Des déchets et du fumier ont ensuite été déversés devant les grilles. Midi Libre – Michel Pieyre

Une quinzaine de tracteurs se sont élancés peu avant 14 h, ce vendredi 2 février 2024, pour une action devant "la police de l'environnement". 

The Lozère Rural Coordination remains mobilized, on this Friday, February 2, 2024, twenty-four hours after the second series of announcements from Prime Minister Gabriel Attal. Shortly before 2 p.m., around fifteen tractors headed towards the premises of the French Biodiversity Office (OFB), located rue de la Garenne in Mende.

Around fifteen tractors arrive at the OFB premises in Mende. Midi Libre – Michel Pieyre

Once there, the farmers present immediately began building a straw wall in front of the OFB. Waste, manure and whey were then dumped in front of the gates.

The farmers immediately set to work building a straw wall. Midi Libre – Michel Pieyre

Waste and manure were then dumped in front of the gates. Midi Libre – Michel Pieyre

Waste and manure were then dumped in front of the gates. Midi Libre – Michel Pieyre

Straw was also thrown at the entrance to the building. Midi Libre – Michel Pieyre

OFB in the crosshairs of certain farmers

The French Biodiversity Office, a sort of "environmental police", has been in the crosshairs of certain farmers since the beginning of the movement. It intervenes in particular during wolf attacks on herds. Its agents carry out the findings, after the breeder declares the attack. The government announced that the OFB will be placed under the supervision of the prefects, to the great dismay of certain organizations, such as the National Union of the Environment.