Christian, breeder in Lot-et-Garonne, prepares to carry out the “siege of Paris”

The tractor is operational, ready to tackle the highway and a country to cross at 40 km/h average. Christian checks “Oil levels and tire pressures and we’re off to Paris.” This breeder from Verteuil-d’Agenais is preparing for a big trip to the capital.

The FNSEA and Young Farmers have promised, “the siege of Paris” starts Monday January 29. Disappointed by Gabriel Attal’s announcements on Friday, part of the agricultural world continues to mobilize by blocking access routes to the capital. In the South-West, Rural Coordination, the second union in the sector, is also leading the revolt, particularly in Lot-et-Garonne where Christian’s farm is located.

“The goal is to go to Rungis”

This 63-year-old breeder is also a producer of beet and cereal seeds. He is “retired since January 1st but will perhaps keep up the pace for another year“. A whole life as a farmer with in the end 1 000 euros pension. He will pass on the farm to his children and his son will manage the farm while he is on the road. “And on to Guingamp! We know that we have 20 hours to go” travel, believes Christian. “The goal is to go to Rungis because that’s where all of France starts in terms of food. And we have to block all that”continues the breeder

The breeder is still angry, not convinced by the Prime Minister’s announcements : “We took a lot of ointment, it sickened us”. Christian is suffering the full brunt of inflation, particularly in energy: “With gas, we took a 35% increase. So we are compensated but it’s a pittance, we can’t do it.” In Paris, a reception committee awaits them, the police have been deployed to prevent blockages. But for Christian, “If they charge us, I can’t tell you what that could do.”