- French authorities have reported that the epidemiological situation in cattle herds is under control.
- Farmers’ protests continue despite reassuring statements from the government.
- Farmers are demanding financial support and changes in agricultural policy.
Epidemiological situation under control
The French Ministry of Agriculture reported that the detected cattle disease has been successfully controlled and the preventive measures taken have yielded the expected results. According to the authorities, there are no indications of further spread of the disease, reducing the risk to national agricultural production.
The government stressed that monitoring of herds will continue in order to prevent a possible recurrence of the problem and to maintain the stability of the livestock sector.
Farmers’ protests despite reassuring declarations
Despite assurances from the government, protests by farmers in various regions of France continue. Demonstrations include roadblocks, traffic slowdowns and symbolic actions in front of the headquarters of public institutions and commercial chains. Farmers stress that their discontent had already been building up and has been further exacerbated by the recent cattle disease events.
According to representatives of farmers’ organisations, the main problems remain low farmgate prices, rising feed, energy and fuel costs and, in their view, excessive administrative burdens. The protesters argue that even the temporary threat to herd health has highlighted the fragility of many farms’ financial situation.
The government declares its readiness to continue dialogue with the agricultural sector and stresses that the control of the cattle disease allows the focus to be on discussions regarding farm support and market stabilisation. At the same time, the authorities point out that possible aid decisions must take into account budgetary constraints and the existing EU agricultural policy framework.
