Gathered this Thursday, January 22, at the Connexio Building, representatives of the agricultural world from the Alpes-Maritimes were received by the Mayor of Nice and President of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis, Christian Estrosi, amid a national mobilization of farmers. A meeting preceded by a tractor gathering at the foot of the building, symbolizing persistent unrest.
Asked for a message to address to the mobilized farmers outside, Christian Estrosi wanted to express his support: “my friendship, my solidarity as always, and even my affection. Because the day we no longer have tractors, in a metropolis that may be more rural than urban, we will simply disfigure the ideal I envisioned for our territory, of solidarity between the sea and the mountains.” A message praised by the union representatives, who came to advocate for very concrete local demands.
For Julien, a cattle farmer and representative of the FDSEA 06, this meeting far exceeded symbolic considerations: “the fight, beyond being national, is also local. We discussed issues like water, with reduced rates for farmers, and land use.” He notably mentions an agricultural compensation achieved within the framework of a college construction, with the Metropolis providing a plot further north of the city to maintain local production and the sale of departmental products.
Another sensitive issue: mountain pasture cabins in mountain areas. “Today, we face major complications with labor inspections because the cabins no longer meet standards. The renovation work is very costly, and neither the municipalities nor the farmers have the means to finance it. We therefore expect financial and administrative support to improve working conditions.”
A meeting deemed “satisfactory”
Following the exchange, Julien expresses being generally satisfied: “the Metropolis was attentive and provided us with answers, notably concerning the PLUM (Local Metropolitan Urban Plan N.D.L.R). The Chamber of Agriculture will carry out the agricultural and natural land diagnosis. At least we can have our say and direct the right plots to the right operators.”
Regarding the mobilization, he highlights the on-the-ground commitment despite a particularly demanding period for farmers: “there were several tractors, which is very encouraging. We are in the middle of calving season, especially for sheep and cattle, and the workload is considerable. Despite that, the farmers showed up.” This Thursday, about 70 farmers were mobilized in Nice to voice their demands.
