Farmers Rally at Lactalis Headquarters in Laval Over Milk Prices
Source: The DairyNews
In a demonstration of frustration, between 150 and 200 farmers converged at the Lactalis headquarters in Laval (Mayenne) on Wednesday, February 21, responding to the call from the Peasant Confederation.
The protest, aimed primarily at expressing dissatisfaction with the purchase price of milk set by the agro-industrial giant, saw the occupation of the building's reception area. Riot police were called in to evacuate the protesters later in the evening.
The leaders of the Peasant Confederation sought a meeting with Lactalis management, prompting the gathering. While the police intervention successfully cleared the premises, there were no reported arrests during the course of the demonstration.
Described as a non-violent action, the farmers managed to enter the building, confining their presence to the reception area. Hailing from various regions, including Mayenne, Sarthe, Manche, and Charente, the farmers strategically positioned tractors around the site to block access, facilitating the entry of fellow breeders and producers.
Chants and slogans resonated against Lactalis, the global leader in milk production. Slogans such as "To the farmers, the sacrifices; to Lactalis, the profits," and "Stop making your butter on our labor" echoed through the demonstration. The protest, characterized as a "punch" by the Peasant Confederation, aimed to exert pressure just three days before the commencement of the Agricultural Fair.
In a symbolic invasion of the historic Lactalis headquarters in Laval, the Peasant Confederation called for an immediate revaluation of milk prices and urged the implementation of an emergency law addressing farmer income issues. The demands were emphasized through social media channels with the hashtag #farmerincome.
The core grievance of the protesting farmers revolves around the purchase price of milk by Lactalis, the conglomerate responsible for brands such as Président, Lactel, and La Laitière. The Peasant Confederation vehemently opposes any transactions or contracts between producers and industrialists falling below the cost price for breeders. Additionally, the union criticizes the inadequacies of the Egalim law and highlights the lack of negotiating power for farmers in dealings with industrial players.
The leaders of the Peasant Confederation sought a meeting with Lactalis management, prompting the gathering. While the police intervention successfully cleared the premises, there were no reported arrests during the course of the demonstration.
Described as a non-violent action, the farmers managed to enter the building, confining their presence to the reception area. Hailing from various regions, including Mayenne, Sarthe, Manche, and Charente, the farmers strategically positioned tractors around the site to block access, facilitating the entry of fellow breeders and producers.
Chants and slogans resonated against Lactalis, the global leader in milk production. Slogans such as "To the farmers, the sacrifices; to Lactalis, the profits," and "Stop making your butter on our labor" echoed through the demonstration. The protest, characterized as a "punch" by the Peasant Confederation, aimed to exert pressure just three days before the commencement of the Agricultural Fair.
In a symbolic invasion of the historic Lactalis headquarters in Laval, the Peasant Confederation called for an immediate revaluation of milk prices and urged the implementation of an emergency law addressing farmer income issues. The demands were emphasized through social media channels with the hashtag #farmerincome.
The core grievance of the protesting farmers revolves around the purchase price of milk by Lactalis, the conglomerate responsible for brands such as Président, Lactel, and La Laitière. The Peasant Confederation vehemently opposes any transactions or contracts between producers and industrialists falling below the cost price for breeders. Additionally, the union criticizes the inadequacies of the Egalim law and highlights the lack of negotiating power for farmers in dealings with industrial players.
