Farmers Block Major Highways in Northern France Over Regulatory Grievances
Protests disrupt traffic on key routes as agricultural workers voice concerns over increased restrictions.
Several dozen tractors have blocked the A1 motorway between Lille and Paris at Seclin since mid-afternoon, with some displaying messages such as "Macron betrayal," "enough of the norms," and "let us work freely." The A2 motorway, connecting Brussels, has also been closed in both directions near Marly, close to Valenciennes, along with the A25 linking Lille to Dunkirk, according to local authorities, which have recommended postponing road travel.
Christophe Catteau, an agricultural worker from Wattrelos, expressed frustration, stating, "We make the healthiest agriculture in the world, and despite that, we are burdened with even more constraints." He noted that last year there was more dialogue and common sense, but with the new government, everything has been undone, describing the situation as a betrayal.
Arnaud Rousseau, president of the FNSEA, has called for renewed actions starting on May 26, coinciding with the parliamentary examination of a proposal by senators Laurent Duplomb and Franck Menonville aimed at alleviating certain restrictions on farmers.
The proposed legislation seeks to ease regulations around water storage, access to pesticides, and the expansion of livestock operations; however, some provisions have been rejected in committee.
Bérengère Chombart, a farmer from Fournes-en-Weppes who grows beets, potatoes, wheat, and peas, criticized the amendments to the legislation, stating that rather than simplifying matters as promised, they would complicate them further.
She expressed her dissatisfaction, especially regarding the measures regulating water storage amidst ongoing drought vigilance in the northern region.
Concerns have also been raised about an expansion of non-treatment zones where pesticides are prohibited close to residential areas.
Caroline Delepierre, secretary general of FDSEA 59, voiced frustration, stating that farmers feel unacknowledged for their sacrifices in adhering to various standards and protocols throughout the year.
Sébastien de Conninck, a 33-year-old market gardener producing strawberries and endives in Beuvry-la-Forêt, reiterated the sentiment, stating, "We are continuously faced with increasing demands."
Christophe Catteau, an agricultural worker from Wattrelos, expressed frustration, stating, "We make the healthiest agriculture in the world, and despite that, we are burdened with even more constraints." He noted that last year there was more dialogue and common sense, but with the new government, everything has been undone, describing the situation as a betrayal.
Arnaud Rousseau, president of the FNSEA, has called for renewed actions starting on May 26, coinciding with the parliamentary examination of a proposal by senators Laurent Duplomb and Franck Menonville aimed at alleviating certain restrictions on farmers.
The proposed legislation seeks to ease regulations around water storage, access to pesticides, and the expansion of livestock operations; however, some provisions have been rejected in committee.
Bérengère Chombart, a farmer from Fournes-en-Weppes who grows beets, potatoes, wheat, and peas, criticized the amendments to the legislation, stating that rather than simplifying matters as promised, they would complicate them further.
She expressed her dissatisfaction, especially regarding the measures regulating water storage amidst ongoing drought vigilance in the northern region.
Concerns have also been raised about an expansion of non-treatment zones where pesticides are prohibited close to residential areas.
Caroline Delepierre, secretary general of FDSEA 59, voiced frustration, stating that farmers feel unacknowledged for their sacrifices in adhering to various standards and protocols throughout the year.
Sébastien de Conninck, a 33-year-old market gardener producing strawberries and endives in Beuvry-la-Forêt, reiterated the sentiment, stating, "We are continuously faced with increasing demands."
