A year later, some farmers from Gard gathered at the roundabout in Nîmes to show that “the fight continues”

The occupation of the A9, moments of sharing and unity that marked the minds of farmers. Archives Midi Libre – MiKAEL ANISSET

A handful of farmers gathered symbolically on the roundabout, tarpaulins in hand, to remind everyone that the struggle continues. Midi Libre – E.A.

If the action was more symbolic, this Wednesday, January 29, the farmers say they are still angry about the “small” advances they have obtained from the Government. 

“I am moved, there have been strong moments of sharing here”, recognizes David Sève, representative of the FDSEA of Gard and one of the emblematic figures of the agricultural anger that marked the country a year ago. This place ? It is the roundabout of the Nîmes-Ouest interchange, where a small handful of farmers came to plant their tarpaulins this Wednesday, January 29. But this time, no tractors, slurry, barbecues or burning tires. No, this meeting has another symbolism: that of reminding us that the struggle continues, and that, as they wrote on the tarpaulins, the “4,418 Gard farmers are still struggling to survive”.

After a year of struggle ? “Small” advances

Because one year after the occupation of the A9 for eight days – and other targeted actions organized over the rest of the year – what remains of this struggle ? “We managed to remind people of the importance of our profession. These actions brought together many sectors, allowed exchanges between us, but also with consumers and local elected officials. Except that on the other hand, with the political instability, we only obtained short-term measures from the State, but no structural measures”, he emphasizes. “small” advances on cash flow in particular, which translate into property tax relief, social security contribution coverage, emergency aid for winegrowers and organic producers, etc. “In the Gard, we obtained the equivalent of 30 million euros, or a return of between 8 and 10,000 euros per farm. And I mean per farm and not for the farmer”, he insists.

A growing disarray

A sum which has notably enabled these farmers to get through 2024, he explains. “But by 2025, most have run out of cash”, underlines Romain Angelras, president of the Young Farmers of Gard. He notes in particular a disarray in the agricultural sector that continues to grow. “Following the movements, we had set up a structure, in partnership with the MSA in particular to support farmers in their approach. A service that is increasingly in demand, to the point that we will surely have to hire an additional person”, he explains.

“Only 7 to 10% of the price of the product goes to the farmer”

What they are waiting for today are measures that will protect their profession in the long term. As solutions, they mention in particular “crop insurance that provides adequate coverage” , but above all the Egalim law to ensure a fair income for producers. “Because you have to know that only 7 to 10% of the price of the product goes to the farmer,” insists David Sève. And even if the agricultural movements have had a beneficial effect on the consumer, with a greater share of sales of local products, – as reflected in the 10 to 15% increase in sales at Mas des agriculteurs -, it is not enough for Romain Angelras. “Today, we are calling on our national deputies but also our Gard deputies. We need a budget. We can't wait any longer” , he warns.