As a protest, farmers from the 06 region mobilized in large numbers this Thursday morning in the Azuréenne capital. A procession of tractors joined the Negresco Hotel, passing by the symbolic Promenade des Anglais.
The Azuréen farmers revealed their version of a fashion show on the Promenade des Anglais, but with a rural twist, with tractors taking the role of models. For two weeks, France has been experiencing a turbulent period of strikes. Taxis or farmers, French national roads are being blocked one after the other. While the tension continues to grow, farmers say they have only one goal in mind: to reach the capital and the Rungis market, which they particularly wish to block. While some aim to gain control of Paris with tractors, our local farmers wanted to besiege the Prom’ this Thursday morning.
Storming the Promenade des Anglais
A new slow-moving operation has been set up in the Alpes-Maritimes. Initiated by the FDSEA (Departmental Federation of Agricultural Farmers’ Unions), farmers gathered this morning around 8 a.m. at the Manda bridge, on the 202 located between Colomars and Gattières. The convoy then joined the MIN in the west of the city before slowly proceeding onto the Promenade des Anglais. The procession ended its route in front of the Negresco Hotel, where a speech from the farmers was expected.
In the Var, farmers have also launched a joint action. The blockade at the Capitou toll on the A8 motorway is still in place.
General Discontent in Agriculture
In Nice, farmers express a general discontent within agriculture. “The agricultural world is doing badly; it is necessary to restore importance to our profession. We want new standards, new laws. To have a better image, for the profession to be revalued. To be able to work in good conditions with less unfair competition. Today, a farmer who succeeds is nothing like any other person in another profession who succeeds. It’s not normal,” says Fabrice, a farmer at “the Frog Farm” in Villeneuve-Loubet.
Thanks to its contrasting climate, fertile soils, technical skills of its farmers, and the quality of its products, the EU is one of the largest producers and exporters in the world. Yet, European farmers no longer feel respected at their true value. They believe that this policy has drastically evolved negatively, transforming their profession. “It’s no longer the same job. We’re not meant to do paperwork. Enough is enough,” says Fabrice.
Farmers also express a general exasperation with the increased oversight imposed by Europe. Antoine, a farmer, market gardener, and breeder, participates in this demonstration to defend his profession and rights. “We no longer earn a living; we want to be respected with a decent salary, to be in good conditions. We need to be allowed to work.”
Emmanuel Macron is expected in Brussels this evening to meet with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. Currently, an impressive crowd of farmers from all over Europe has gathered in front of the European Parliament. Over 600 people have mobilized for the occasion. Authorities have announced fears of violent outbursts and are closely monitoring the situation.
