Farmers, Sobeval and the prefect had to deal with the opponents. A dozen environmental activists were invited this Thursday to the official inauguration of a calf farm in Saint-Mesmin, in the Périgord Vert. They are part of the Collective for Peasant Agriculture and the Preservation of Nature and have been denouncing this expansion project for several years. In 2019, activists filed an appeal to the Administrative Court of Bordeaux, which was rejected in 2021. Since then, the building which houses 320 calves has been built and the first animals arrived in early August. But opponents still want to voice their concerns.
We are not against farmers, but we denounce this model of intensive farming
“We are not against farmers, but we denounce this model of intensive farming”, says Véronique, one of the members of the association. Activists point the finger in particular at the risks of pollution of the Auvézère, due to slurry spreading. According to them, 900 cubic meters/year of slurry will be rejected. “On a spreading plan validated by the authorities, we have nothing to be ashamed of”, responds without blinking Quentin Laurent, one of the breeders, two 25-year-old brothers who are taking over the family farm.
– Lise Roos Weil
The two young people are delighted to continue this operation, which is seven generations old. For them, this expansion of the herd, with the opening of a veal workshop was mandatory: “Nowadays, three to be able to live on it requires greater exploitation” explains Quentin Laurent. Working with Sobeval, a slaughterhouse based in Boulazac and owned by the VanDrie breeding group, is also, according to them, a guarantee of regular incomewith a local actor. “As soon as we do something, we have the impression of doing everything wrong, the farmers are no longer supported”, says the young breeder.
Operators and Sobeval defend themselves
Among the farmers present, several showed signs of annoyance at the behavior of the activists. Some farmers present refused to talk with them. For their part, the opponents claim to want to understand and discuss. They took advantage of the visit to the premises to ask questions, calmly. “Of course there are different models, they all have their place, assures Ronan Cario, regional technical manager at Sobeval, while visiting the building that houses the calves. They want a small-scale, outdoor model, but it’s very difficult to make a living from it. We want to ensure an income for farmers.”
Environmental activists know that they no longer have any possible recourse against this exploitation. But they want to act for the next intensive breeding projects. At least three files are under consideration with Sobeval in the department according to the company.