Before the elections, the Conf’goes on the offensive

Les travaux ont débuté à proximité de la MFR à Vézénobres. Midi Libre – A. B.

The Peasant Confederation is mobilizing against two photovoltaic projects.

Against the backdrop of elections in the chambers of agriculture, the Peasant Confederation resolutely went on the offensive this Thursday afternoon in Vézénobres. The agricultural union, through its spokesperson Didier Marion, is firmly opposed to the creation of two agrophotovoltaic projects in the town. “Agricultural land is being stolen for industrial and financial projects,” the farmer denounces. We are not opposed to photovoltaics. We support the essential energy transition but not on land with high potential that we are artificializing. We can install panels on the roofs of industrial buildings, in parking lots, etc. In addition, energy management is not the job of farmers. Our job is to feed the population so that we can live from our production.”

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On private plots, representing 3.5 hectares, right next to the Maison familiale rurale (MFR), work has begun. The permit has been validated by state services.

Preventive excavations are underway in case the plot contains buried treasure.

Between Vézénobres and Ners, an even more ambitious project is currently being examined. The installation covers 10 hectares. Here again, the land belongs to a private company that has approached a specialized operator, Urbasolar.

“I discovered this project on December 15. I farm land for aromatic plants right next door,” says Anissa Ferhat. Some things surprise me, I don't understand how this project was exempted from the environmental impact study.”

For his part, the mayor of Vézénobres, Sébastien Ombras, is fuming: “We're standing on our heads. He's making it known what we want in this country! We're talking about 3.5 hectares of wasteland, of agricultural land that will remain agricultural. The industrial project is backed by the presence of a flock of sheep to ensure the maintenance of the sector. What does the shepherdess of Deaux think about it, who will perpetuate her operation ? We are in an agricultural zone, a photovoltaic farm was impossible to achieve. We had to opt for an agrophotovoltaic project. We had the agreement of the chamber of agriculture. We gave a favorable opinion, but it was the prefect who signed the permit. I remind you that the examination of these files is the responsibility of the State. The zoning that we proposed indicates the areas where it is possible to achieve energy transition. It has nothing to do with the current file. The commune covers 1,700 hectares, and we have 1,200 hectares of agricultural and wooded areas… We still have room for farmers.”