The M7 has been occupied near Pierre-Bénite by farmers since Monday. (AP Photo)
Farmers from southern Lyon have been installed since Monday on the M7, near Pierre-Bénite, where they remain day and night despite the cold.
For two days, around sixty tractors have been blocking traffic on metropolitan route 7, south of Lyon. The mobilized farmers set up a real camp there, set up in the middle of the imposing agricultural machines. Between barbecues and plenty of beer, they experience the mobilization to the fullest. However, they do not forget the reasons for their anger and remain determined to obtain a reaction from the government. This is the case of Maxime, a member of the Young Farmers present at the Pierre-Bénite dam since Monday. “We want less words and more concrete actions“, he explains with a drink in his hand.
Read also: Farmers’ blockades tighten around Lyon
Living on the highway
Like everywhere in France, farmers are manning the M7 roadblock day and night. A certain number of them have to sleep there, while others make the return trip every evening. “We filled a cattle truck with straw to put a lot of people to sleep“, says Maxime. For his part, the young farmer preferred to sleep in his car, but will make the journey home this evening. Hygiene-wise, everyone is doing their best, but construction site toilets arrived this Wednesday to facilitate the things.
Farmers live an almost normal life on the dam. (AP Photo)
Furthermore, the farmers’ movement being supported by 80% of French people, many individuals provide them with sustenance. “Many people help us, including bakers and agricultural dealers“, notes Maxime with a smile. As proof, horns ring out all day long on the road parallel to the M7, some even stop to express their support. Encouragement appreciated by the farmers. “We feel more and more support from the population, it’s encouraging“.
Read also: Rhône farmers mobilized: “It’s passion that keeps me going today”
A lack of concrete measures
Faced with the numerous actions carried out in the territory, the government announced the first measures this Tuesday. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal notably promised the payment of CAP aid “by March 15“and the entry of the notion of food sovereignty into the law.”An insufficient start“, according to Elise Michallet, general secretary of the Regional Federation of Farmers’ Unions (FRSEA). The organization is therefore calling for progress on Mercosur and subsidized loans for young farmers. “We want changes in the workforce which is not supervised even though we employ a lot of it in the region“.
“We want changes in the workforce which is not supervised even though we employ a lot of it in the region“
Elise Michallet, general secretary of the FRSEA
The continuation of the mobilization therefore remains uncertain. Both Elise and Maxime say they are ready to continue with the blockages.at least until Friday” et “as necessary“New government measures have also been announced for the weekend, their content and how farmers will receive them remains to be seen.
Read also: A6 and A47 blocked near Lyon: “Farmers want to live from their work”
2024-01-31 20:27:36
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