Discussions, but no recovery.
The president of the Agricultural Show, which opens on February 24 in Paris, asked, this Tuesday, the political leaders who will travel not to indulge in an “easy recovery from the agricultural malaise”.
He hopes, rather, that they will be “bearers of exchanges and solutions beyond their own political interests”, declared Jean-Luc Poulain during a press conference presenting the 60th Agricultural Show ( February 24-March 3).
Also read Agricultural crisis: has the executive thrown ecology into oblivion?
The agricultural crisis which broke out in January, and was marked by blockades of farmers on highways, notably saw the National Rally present itself as the "voice of the countryside" and denounce "Macron's Europe" who wants “the death of our agriculture”.
“A studious living room”
Warning against political co-opting, “it’s the story of saying
We, in the agricultural world, we are not fools
,” explained Jean-Luc Poulain.
“We know well why some people come to the dams, or come to the farms,” he continued.
🔴 Live: press conference
Concluding remarks from the press conference of this 60th edition of the International Agricultural Show from Jean-Luc Poulain, Farmer and President of CENECA and the show #SIA2024 pic.twitter.com/xEgU3kGJQe
— International Agricultural Show (@Salondelagri) February 6, 2024
“I don't fear a somewhat warm living room, I believe in a studious living room.
Moreover, farmers have shown during the latest union actions that they know how to be responsible,” commented Jean-Luc Poulain, also a farmer handing over to his farm in Oise.
“It is also one of the keys to the movement’s success with public opinion,” he added.
The majority unions FNSEA and Young Farmers gave the government until the Agricultural Show to implement part of its announcements, in particular to simplify their lives.
The Agricultural Show, traditionally inaugurated by the President of the Republic, is popular with political leaders from all sides, particularly as a deadline like the European elections in June approaches.