French President Emmanuel Macron opened the 60th International Agricultural Fair at the Porte de Versailles Exhibition Center in Paris on February 24, 2024. Following a meeting at the Elysee Palace on May 2, where representatives of agricultural organizations gathered, only the union spokespeople spoke to recount the meeting. This meeting was anticipated, as Macron had promised it at the end of February after facing the anger of farmers at the Agriculture Fair inauguration. The meeting was initially scheduled for mid-March, then canceled and finally rescheduled six weeks later.
Farmers are currently busy with fieldwork and will be occupied until the fall, so major protests are not expected, especially since the government has already made concessions to address the demands put forth by the National Federation of Agricultural Holding Unions (FNSEA). In addition to the 67 measures presented by Prime Minister Gabriel Attal on January 26, he announced new measures on April 27 to address agricultural grievances. Agriculture Minister Marc Fesneau estimated that between 500 million and 600 million euros in aid have been granted to the sector since the start of the protests.
During the meeting at the Elysee Palace, Macron reportedly stated that he does not believe the protests will end easily due to the multifaceted nature of the issues at hand. He emphasized the importance of building a future vision for agriculture and expressed his lack of interest in chasing after anger. The President seems inclined to take the time to develop his agricultural vision, despite pressure from agricultural unions, particularly the FNSEA. Macron suggested that the agricultural unions wait until the agricultural chamber elections scheduled for January 2025 have passed, citing tensions surrounding this electoral deadline.
Initially, Macron had indicated that he was prepared to deliver his “Rungis 2” speech in September but, in response to concerns about the continuation of protests, he hinted at the need to prolong the consultation process. He expressed a desire to avoid being isolated in formulating a collective project for agriculture. The President’s approach seems to focus on creating a shared vision for the industry, taking into account the perspectives of various stakeholders. Macron’s proposal to postpone the delivery of his agricultural vision until after the elections reflects his strategic approach to managing tensions within the agricultural sector and ensuring a unified plan for the future.
In conclusion, Macron’s engagement with agricultural unions and stakeholders demonstrates a commitment to addressing the complexities and challenges faced by the agricultural sector in France. The ongoing dialogue and consultation process indicate a willingness to develop a comprehensive and inclusive agricultural policy that reflects the diverse interests of farmers and the broader agricultural community. By acknowledging the need for a collective and forward-looking vision for agriculture, Macron aims to navigate the complexities of the sector and foster a more cooperative and sustainable approach to agricultural development in France.
