French farmers are protesting against Emmanuel Macron’s government policies on glyphosate and fallow land. The National Federation of Agricultural Holders’ Unions (FNSEA) and Young Farmers, led by Arnaud Rousseau and Arnaud Gaillot, respectively, are demanding clarity and consistency from Agriculture Minister Marc Fesneau.
During the protests, farmers have turned signposts upside down and placed them on manure piles in streets across France as well as throwing manure on government buildings.
The leaders issued a joint statement, urging the government to clarify its vision for the future of agriculture and express its true intentions.
They also criticise the government’s failure to convince the European Commission regarding a 4 percent fallow land derogation.
French farmers are frustrated with normative and fiscal inconsistencies and the lack of a clear vision for agriculture.
Over 100 FNSEA and JA departmental federations have taken union actions to prompt immediate government intervention.
The leaders emphasise that it’s time for concrete and immediate action rather than just discussions. They stress that mobilisations will continue until the government provides the necessary means for French agriculture to actively contribute to future food, energy, and environmental issues.
