On the night of Sunday to Monday, November 18, farmers from Cantal from the FDSEA and the JA launched a major action throughout the department. Nearly 400 of them moved Cantal to another continent, by renaming municipalities. They are fighting against the agreement that could be signed between the European Union and the Mercosur countries.
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Brasília, Rio or São Paulo, during the night from Sunday to Monday November 18, municipalities in Cantal were renamed. Brigitte Troucellier, farmer, explains: “Today, our survival is at stake. We make meat that is safe, without hormones, without antibiotics. In Argentina and the Mercosur countries, they grow meat very quickly, thanks to hormones and antibiotics, which allows for low production costs.”.
“Do not import agriculture that we do not want here“: here is the slogan of these farmers, opposed to the signing of the agreement between the European Union and certain South American countries. A peaceful protest, for the moment, which is very symbolic Benjamin Lescure, cantonal delegate of FDSEA 15, underlines: “If we accept such things, we will no longer eat meat from Saint-Cernin, we will eat meat from South America. This is unacceptable and it is not possible”.
For this first action, 400 Cantal farmers were mobilized. Among them, some denounce a new betrayal. Guillaume Bitaud, farmer, specifies: “We no longer believe in anything because France amuses us. The European Union amuses us. They will hide behind this and accept this agreement, compared to Germany, Spain and other countries. They will have to break down. We no longer believe in anything. There is no one left to defend us. The whole of France needs us”.
Massively rejected, this possible signing of the free trade agreement with Mercosur crystallizes the anger of the agricultural world. Other actions should follow in the coming days.
What are the major points of disagreement Cantal farmers have with the EU-Mercosur agreement, and how do these concerns impact their livelihoods?
1. Could you share with our audience the major points of disagreement that Cantal farmers have with the potential agreement between the European Union and Mercosur countries?
2. How do the local farmers feel about the current state of agricultural policies in France and the European Union? Do they believe their voices are being heard and supported?
3. What kind of actions did the farmers take during the renaming of the municipalities, and what message were they trying to send with this symbolic protest?
4. Are there any specific concerns related to the quality of meat production in Mercosur countries that motivated the farmers to take part in this protest?
5. How do you envision the future of Cantal’s agricultural industry if the agreement is signed, and what steps would you recommend for farmers to adapt and thrive in this new environment?
6. In your opinion, how crucial is it for the European Union to consider the interests of French and European farmers when negotiating these types of international trade agreements? What kind of impact could such agreements have on local communities and economies?
7. Have you seen a shift in public opinion towards agriculture and food production in recent years, and how do you think this could affect future policies and negotiations?
