After two years of health crisis, Terre en Fête is back to celebrate its 40th anniversary. This huge agricultural festival is held in Thiviers this weekend of July 30 and 31. Hundreds of tractors invaded the fields. In the shade, cows and goats are resting. And under the big tents, dozens of people share a meal, directly from the producer. Competitions for the most beautiful cow and demonstrations of tractors are also planned on the program.
We are often alone in this job so it is good to exchange, to meet
“It’s good to meet all together, to discuss new things but also the difficulties”, says Vincent, in an apron behind the barbecue. Cattle breeder, he set up his stand at the farmers’ market. In front of drought and rising commodity pricesfarmers are still going through difficulties. “We are often alone in this job so it’s good to exchange, to find each other”, continues Helen. The price of the fertilizers she buys has quadrupled in a few months. She is also eagerly awaiting the first drops of rain. “If it continues like this, we will not have enough corn for our animals and we will have to dip into our reserves earlier, or even buy some”, she explains.
The event is also an opportunity to pass on advice between generations of farmers. Many young farmers made the trip or got involved in the organization alongside the Young Farmers’ Union.
– Lise Roos Weil
– Lise Roos Weil