On , the farmers of Vaucluse chose an emblematic location to make their voices heard: the Europe Bridge in Avignon. By blocking this critical traffic point, they aim to draw attention to the issues they face, particularly the agricultural policy problems and the European inconsistencies that threaten their activities. This mobilization is part of a larger movement aimed at demanding immediate and significant changes for the agricultural world. Their action, although disruptive for users, is a cry of despair in the face of an unbearable situation.
On this Monday, November 18, 2024, a group of farmers from Vaucluse blocked the Europe Bridge in Avignon to make their demands heard regarding the European Union’s agricultural policy. This symbolic and strategic mobilization took place simultaneously with the G20 in Brazil, a forum where trade agreements that worry the agricultural sector are discussed. Partially stalled by this blockage, the farmers want to draw attention to the inconsistencies of the current system that jeopardizes their future.
A significant mobilization
The members of the FDSEA (Departmental Federation of Agricultural Operators’ Unions) and the Young Farmers of Vaucluse gathered as early as dawn, at 5:45 am, to organize this action. The choice of the Europe Bridge, a crucial route connecting Occitania to Provence, is not trivial. Confronted with years of difficulties, the farmers decided to make their voices heard loudly by blocking a major access point for traffic.
The reasons for anger
The farmers express their frustration at policies they believe are inadequate. They particularly denounce the free trade agreements, such as Mercosur, which they feel threaten French farms. This initiative takes place in a context where tomato and pepper producers in France face increased competition due to the importation of these products from Maghreb countries. The interviewed farmers thus question the coherence of European decisions that seem to favor imports when local production would suffice.
Actions for concrete measures
The farmers are also seeking temporary and cash flow measures to cope with a particularly difficult year. Concerns related to bad weather, combined with health crises and disastrous harvests, have seriously undermined the viability of many farms. The anxiety of the farmers is palpable, with some expressing resignation in the face of a situation that seems stagnant after years of struggle.
A national scale act of protest
Jordan Charrensol, president of the Young Farmers of Vaucluse, clarified that this action was a first step in a series of planned protests for December. The intention is not only to reaffirm the role and importance of French agriculture but also to raise public awareness of the issues facing this vital sector. The mobilization could extend to other regions, indicating a desire for cohesion among farmers in France.
A call for solidarity
The farmers aim not only to assert their rights but also to alert public opinion regarding their working conditions. With slogans such as “Our end will be your hunger”, they seek to raise consumer awareness about the consequences of the current agricultural policy on food security. The struggle for a sustainable and just future for agriculture also involves collective awareness.
- Location of the mobilization: Europe Bridge, Avignon
- Date: November 18, 2024
- Organizers: FDSEA and Young Farmers of Vaucluse
- Gathering time: 5:45 am
- Objective of the action: Partially block the bridge
- Symbolism: Link between Occitania and Provence
- Main demand: Opposition to the Mercosur agreement
- Duration of the action: Planned until noon
- Key messages: Alerts on the situation of French agriculture
- Future mobilizations: Other actions planned until December
