French farmers' protest sparks debate about prices

The French protests are partly about the same issues as the farmers' protests in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium, but in France it is more directly about the revenue model and less about government restrictions. For this reason, French protests at home are aimed more at cheap imports from, for example, Spain or other neighboring countries. Food nationalism plays a bigger role. In addition, the protests are also aimed at the processing industry and supermarkets, because French farmers also believe that they are paid too little by their own buyers.

Lactalis the bobbin
Dairy farmers have focused their anger in recent days mainly against Lactalis. This dairy giant had proposed to pay only €40,50 per 100 liters of milk for this year. That is €4,50 less than a year ago. When angry members of the Unell suppliers' association showed up at the factory gates of various Lactalis branches, Lactalis increased the offer to €42 per 100 liters. The farmers don't think that's enough. They want to receive €44, plus surcharges. They point out that the Bel Group can also pay more than €45 per 100 liters. In addition, they want the government to tighten the 'Loi Egalim', the law against unfair competition, because - they say - so far this law has done nothing to stop farmers being squeezed out by supermarkets and processors.

End of protest at hypermarket
General manager Michel-Edouard Leclerc, of the supermarket chain of the same name, does not comment on this. However, he is tired of the large supermarket chains always having to be in charge, as he puts it. "Time and again, the farmers' protests end in the parking lot of the hypermarkets." According to him, this is the fault of a weak government, which does not dare to make clear decisions regarding farmers' incomes. Failing that, they end up on the doorstep of retailers.

French consumers now seem to have understanding and sympathy for the farmers' actions, local media report. Even if consumers have to pay more.