28 June 2011

In a similar sequence of events to the 1976 and 2003 droughts, regional groups of the two most influential French agricultural unions, the FNSEA and JA (Young Farmers’ Union), have mobilised to help farmers provide enough straw for their livestock. 8,000 tonnes of straw from arable regions less affected by the spring drought have been gathered for farmers who are experiencing shortages. Union members said they are “working out of solidarity between livestock farmers and growers,” and their own reservations over the government’s handling of the drought.

Regional union president Gilbert Guignant explained the logistical difficulties surrounding the distribution, "We have a choice between train or truck: a train takes 500 tonnes in one go, but with the cost, added to the cost of the straw, which is currently €120 per tonne, delivery to farmers is still expensive. We are also having to find regions where there is enough straw to spare. We are competing with our cereal producing neighbours, such as Germany and Belgium for straw, as this drought affected a swathe of European countries.”

M. Guignant continued, “We have to avoid unreasonable prices and alarmist commodity speculation, luckily, as part of the FNSEA, we have been able to link up with La Marne, where straw is still €70: the region supplied us with 6,500 of the 8,000 tonnes we requested.” A regional meeting held yesterday afternoon addressed farmers’ concerns over transport costs on their straw aid.

The FNSEA leadership seeks to secure reasonable prices

Nevertheless, the bulk order is estimated to represent a mere 10% of the straw that will be purchased in the Haute-Loire region, where farmers are also getting in touch with traders individually.

Gilbert Bros, president of the Chamber of Agriculture, noted that, “Along with straw, farmers will have to buy food and grains at raised prices, a situation which may lead to more financial uncertainties arising before next spring” He said, “We may have resolved the cash flow issues, but the longer term revenue problems will not be so simple.”  

M. Bros condemned capitalisation at such a time; while some may be engaging in profiteering, many have stressed the need for solidarity in the face of hardships caused by the drought. He claimed, “This is the worst solution, because it’s depriving us of the very tools we need. We must not act in haste out of panic, there may yet be stock this autumn.”