A-Infos (en) France, OCL CA #356 - FNSEA - French State: Co-management means slaughter! (ca, de, fr, it, pt, tr)[machine translation]

Agriculture under capitalism ---- Land consolidation, intensive farming, 
productivism, excessive use of chemicals, Agriculture 4.0 coated in 
disgusting AI, agribusiness... If these few, non-exhaustive words don't 
already make you nauseous, add a dash of cattle herds slaughtered amidst 
the din of police brutality, and you'll get a taste of the devastating 
agricultural policy that has been in place for over 50 years. Who holds 
the baton merrily hand in hand? Rousseau and Genevard at the helm of 
co-management. FNSEA and the French State, a mega-duo that hits us 
horribly hard, right up to the death of our livestock. They even plunge 
farmers into an improbable, violent distress as they endure the shock of 
having all their animals slaughtered-animals that gave meaning to their 
lives.

But farmers are fierce fighters, both in their daily lives and in their 
capacity to resist and struggle.

The Consequences of Capitalism in Livestock Health
In both urban and rural areas, climate change is a reality. Added to 
this is exponential growth in international trade. All these factors 
combined, stemming directly from the consequences of destructive 
capitalism, foster the emergence of viruses. Epizootics become 
entrenched, and their vectors (flies and other insects) thrive and 
survive in this climatic context.
Nodular Dermatosis (NDD), a Viral Disease Affecting Cattle
In recent years, farmers and their livestock have had no choice but to 
coexist with various vector-borne diseases: Bluetongue (BT), which 
affects cattle and sheep. EHV (epizootic hemorrhagic disease), to which 
only cattle are susceptible, and avian influenza, more commonly known as 
bird flu, are still prevalent. Here again, the culling of poultry flocks 
is systematic as soon as a clinical case appears.

And finally, CND (cattle sickness), a vector-borne viral disease 
affecting cattle. Never before reported in France until June 2025, it 
emerged in Europe about ten years ago (particularly in the Balkans) and 
in Asia in 2019. It is not transmissible to humans. Small flies and 
other insects transmit the disease by biting animals. A proven vaccine 
exists to protect animals, but currently, no treatment can effectively 
combat the disease.

To combat CND, two strategies are clashing.
Propagands of industrial agriculture and the Ministry of Agriculture are 
opting for a deadly strategy to combat CND: the total slaughter of herds 
affected by the disease in order to eradicate it and allow France to 
maintain its "disease-free" status.

Indeed, if the disease were to become established throughout the 
country, or if vaccination against CND were widespread, international 
trade regulations would theoretically prohibit France from exporting 
cattle. It's important to know that the beef cattle sector (focused on 
meat production) is a major supplier of weaned calves (around 9 months 
old) destined to fill feedlots in Spain, Italy, and, to a lesser extent, 
in the Maghreb countries.

That's true... but it's a strictly commercial argument, not a health 
one! The Ministry of Agriculture is manipulating "public opinion" by 
feigning the implementation of "widespread vaccination." This is 
inaccurate; it authorizes vaccination within a very limited radius 
around the herds it orders to be slaughtered, but prohibits it 
everywhere else. This is one of the major issues in the ongoing fight.
Annie Genevard and Arnaud Rousseau are once again misinforming the 
public by suggesting they rely on science to defend their disastrous 
health management choices, portraying those who oppose them as 
"anti-science fanatics." While there is indeed a scientific consensus on 
the effectiveness of total culling to try to eradicate the disease as 
quickly as possible, they are remaining silent on the following points: 
There is no consensus on the necessity of total culling. A 2016 study by 
the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) indicates that euthanasia of 
animals with CND is just as effective in attempting to eradicate the 
disease.

Furthermore, in November 2025, the Federation of European Veterinarians 
unanimously declared that there was "an urgent need to replace mass 
culling with vaccination and surveillance for early detection, which are 
the cornerstones of epidemic prevention and control." Let us also quote 
Stéphane Bertagnoli, a specialist in CND and professor of virology at 
the National Veterinary School of Toulouse: "If vaccination against CND 
is done properly, we shouldn't see any new cases."

A large majority of farmers categorically refuse total culling and 
demand the right to vaccinate their animals throughout the country. To 
those who only think about money and free trade, the farmers respond: an 
effective vaccine exists. Give us the freedom to vaccinate our animals 
and let's negotiate with importing countries to keep trade going. 
Moreover, this is already happening. Farmers with vaccinated herds in 
the Ain region, in particular, will regain their right to export weaned 
calves or male dairy calves to Italy starting in January 2026, following 
successful negotiations.

On the other hand, what is deeply troubling for livestock farmers is the 
question of solidarity and risk-sharing, or rather, playing Russian 
roulette with those who will be sacrificed because the disease strikes 
their farms. The key point is that if we accept the disease's spread 
while combating it through vaccination and immunization, we will share 
the risk of potentially having a few cows in our herds affected by the 
disease, but not decimated herds or farmers left completely helpless. 
The government and the FNSEA (National Federation of Farmers' Unions) 
are crudely implementing a strategy aimed at eradicating CND (Cowherb 
Disease). The questions that arise include: Eradicating life with 
collateral damage of unprecedented severity? Or working with life, with 
a virus that is already taking hold, and fighting it as best we can, 
with the ultimate goal of humane, intelligent, and animal-friendly 
management that respects both the animals and the farmers? Combining 
vaccination and immunity. Focusing on relocating agriculture with less 
productive but more resistant breeds, or always aiming for higher yields 
with fragile animals that are highly susceptible to microbes and 
viruses? Building factory farms with ever-increasing densities of 
livestock buildings in regions specializing in the same "animal 
production," and risking the spread of viruses from farm to farm with 
animals dying like flies because they lack any natural defenses? Or 
de-intensifying everything, practicing peasant agriculture on extensive, 
human-scale farms (fewer animals per hectare) in harmony with nature; 
raising hardy animals and valuing grass as the sole food source for 
ruminants (cows, sheep, goats).

Resistance is in full swing, particularly in the southwest. It's 
important to understand that, to our knowledge, the blockades and 
actions are entirely controlled by unions or organizations. Including in 
Haute-Garonne, where the "A64 ultras" are on the offensive. At their 
head is Jérôme Bayle, a charismatic leader endorsed by the mainstream 
media, who leads this organization that won the last elections for the 
Haute-Garonne Chamber of Agriculture. They have permanently blocked a 
180 km stretch of the A64, with a convergence point in Carbone, which 
has become the epicenter of the resistance. These same people, who had 
managed the feat of ousting the FNSEA from the presidency of the 
Haute-Garonne Chamber of Agriculture, naturally refuse the total 
dismantling of the highway and are broadening their demands to include 
the rejection of Mercosur and the improvement of agricultural income. 
It's worth remembering that the "A64 ultras" were organized during the 
farmers' actions in January 2024, following an internal split that 
greatly shook the FDSEA 31 (the local branch of the French farmers' 
union) and culminated in a highly publicized occupation of this 
particular section of the A64. Thus, the leaders of the "A64 ultras" are 
currently caught in a bind: maintaining their political stance, 
considering elected officials, political party representatives, and the 
prefect as partners, and appearing respectable and moderate; while 
simultaneously not alienating their militant and highly agitated base. 
Furthermore, in other locations in the Southwest, roadblocks have been 
set up, notably on the A75 in Aveyron, on the RN20 in Ariège, on the A63 
at Cestas, and on the A89 and A20 in Corrèze, either sporadically or for 
several days.

The CR (Rural Coordination) is fully engaged in the action. This union, 
close to the far right, made a historic breakthrough in the last 
professional elections, winning eleven chambers of agriculture. Its 
vocal members are also protesting against the total culling. Their 
national leadership only offers short-term demands: against slaughter, 
for a new health protocol. But it does not challenge our export-oriented 
and productivist agricultural model.

The Confédération Paysanne at the Heart of the Fight Against Total Slaughter
The national leadership of the Confédération Paysanne (Peasant 
Confederation) did not hesitate. Very quickly, it adopted a strategy of 
fighting against total slaughter and for the right to vaccinate 
throughout France. Backed by solid arguments, Confédération Paysanne 
activists are deeply involved in the regions affected by the DNC 
(National Cattle Slaughter Directive). The Confédération Paysanne also 
demands a radical change in the State's health policy, the 
relocalization of agriculture, and the abandonment of Mercosur. It 
openly presents itself as forming a "common front" with the CR 
(Coordination Rurale) in the fight against the State's health strategy, 
stating in its press releases that their "capacity for convergence with 
the CR stops at the gates of their productivist, anti-environmental, and 
identity-based ideology."
The union's stance in the departments spared by the DNC is inconsistent. 
Some departmental branches are adopting the arguments of their national 
secretariat and driving mobilization, while others are brooding over 
points of disagreement, hindering the possibility of concrete acts of 
resistance. This latter situation in no way prevents Confédération 
Paysanne (CPA) activists from organizing small convoys that leave for 
several days to support the blockades, as happened in Finistère from 
December 17th to 20th, heading southwest. In Brittany, the CPA 29, 
despite being under the leadership of a very moderate and wait-and-see 
approach, called for a demonstration with the CR (Revolutionary 
Communist Party) in Quimper on December 13th to say "stop to the 
unjustified massacre." In Ille-et-Vilaine, the CPA is fully on the 
offensive. On December 19th, she mobilized in Bruz in front of the Avril 
agribusiness group (owned by Arnaud Rousseau, president of the FNSEA) in 
solidarity with the farmers at the roadblocks and to demand an end to 
the total cull.

Regarding the Confédération Paysanne's strategy: The Confédération 
Paysanne's national secretariat reacted swiftly and vigorously to 
counter the Ministry of Agriculture's health strategy. The Confédération 
Paysanne deserves credit for developing a response commensurate with the 
challenges. That being said, some major obstacles remain, primarily 
concerning the union's overall direction. For several years now, it has 
been drifting towards a corporatist approach, its objective being to 
focus its influence primarily on farmers. The disconnect with the 
broader social movement is clear. Its message to society as a whole has 
become muted. Capitalizing on existing support, recruiting members, 
preparing election campaigns, and implementing propaganda to achieve the 
best possible results in professional elections... These are some of the 
objectives that seem crucial to the general strategy decided every two 
years at each congress. But aren't these pitfalls inherent to all unions 
within the social movement?

Nevertheless, the Confédération Paysanne (CFP) remains a way for farmers 
to come together, exchange ideas, and fight for their rights. It is up 
to them to emancipate themselves and raise an independent peasant voice 
in rural areas, towns, and neighborhoods, and to become deeply involved 
in social struggles. For those who prefer to remain in a union, let them 
transform it into a genuine tool for peasant and social struggles...

FNSEA - JA: At odds with their base
The FNSEA (National Federation of Farmers' Unions) and the JA (Young 
Farmers, an independent union but considered the "youth" branch of the 
FNSEA) represent the majority of unions in the agricultural sector. 
While their leaders may be immune to the virus of solidarity, this is 
not necessarily the case for their membership base. At blockades against 
total slaughter, it is common to see JA caps and FNSEA logos on 
protesters' jackets. Similarly, in regions not affected by the DNC 
(National Destroying of Livestock), such as Brittany, it is quite 
difficult to find an FNSEA/JA livestock farmer who will defend their 
union's official line. Common sense among farmers is not a myth. 
Solidarity lies dormant and can spring forth from the most unexpected 
places. In these kinds of unusual moments, it can quickly spread and 
become collective and active.

What future awaits this resistance movement?
First, let's have a laugh at the enormous farce of the FNSEA's national 
leaders, who, on December 19th, after their meeting with Prime Minister 
Le Cornu, declared themselves "ready for a Christmas truce" in a 
struggle they hadn't even participated in and of which they were the 
target... Let's hope they're equally ready to lose credibility.
That same day, the unions received at Matignon showed the first signs of 
weakness. Bertrand Venteau, president of the CR (Coordination Rurale), 
told the newspaper "La France Agricole" that he was calling for 
"kindness towards all citizens," punctuating his remarks with a grand 
appeal to his troops: "The protesters need to go and rest." This echoed 
the words of Annie Genevard, who, upon leaving the same meeting, called 
for calm: "Christmas really needs to happen." While less focused on 
celebrating the birth of Jesus, Stéphane Galais and Nina Lejeune, 
national spokespeople for the Confédération Paysanne (Peasant 
Confederation), nonetheless signaled a slight shift in their demands. 
They emphasized "prioritizing the vaccination of cattle of small, local 
breeds" and expressed their desire "to extend vaccination to all cattle 
in Aquitaine, Poitou, Charentes, and the entire PACA region." But they 
remain vehemently opposed to total slaughter, which the two leaders of 
the Confédération Paysanne (Farmers' Confederation) have indicated with 
equal determination they want to block collectively with the farmers.

It is capitalism that must be overthrown.
It is unbridled capitalism that creates global warming and fosters the 
emergence of diseases such as CND (Community Disease). It is in the name 
of free economic trade that morbid and violent health decisions are 
made... so that capital can flow freely. It is in the name of capitalism 
that Mercosur threatens to put farmers in economic difficulty. This 
delusional agricultural export model is also an important cog in the 
machine of capitalism.
Let's hope that farmers reach out more to people in the neighborhoods, 
to employees, to those in precarious situations, to draw parallels 
between the same capitalist violence suffered by both sides. The need to 
combine our forces to destroy capitalism is vital.

We are all proletarians... We are nothing, let us be everything!

Thomas - farmer - Finistère

https://oclibertaire.lautre.net/spip.php?article4607
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