SDAE Cantal holds first assembly under new leadership

Members of the Departmental Section of Former Farmers (SDAE) of Cantal gathered in Ally for their first general assembly under the presidency of André Carsac, who now leads the group after Georges Delmas. The event brought together key figures from the agricultural sector, including the national general secretary and the president of the SDAE of Gironde.

Focus on pension system and national demands

The assembly centered on reviewing national demands and the ongoing evolution of the pension system, with agricultural pensions being a central topic. Deputy André Chassaigne, a prominent advocate for agricultural pensions, was invited but could not attend the meeting.

Calls for pension reforms and tax adjustments

Attendees emphasized the need to extend pension increases to all complete careers, including those of spouses and family helpers. They also called for better consideration of survivor pensions and measures to preserve purchasing power. Tax-related demands included raising thresholds for CSG, CRDS, and CASA taxes, reinstating the half-share for widows and widowers, and reducing the tax on agricultural health insurance.

Reform of pension calculation for non-salaried workers

A key topic was the reform of the basic pension calculation for non-salaried agricultural workers. Starting January 1, 2026, this calculation will consider the 25 best years of agricultural income. The change will be implemented gradually, with a hybrid phase before a definitive application in 2028, according to the MSA.

Focus on future of agriculture and generational renewal

Beyond pensions, the assembly discussed the future of agricultural territories and the renewal of generations. Valentin Delbos, president of the Young Farmers of Cantal, encouraged retirees to support young farmers by preferring land rental over sale, highlighting the impact of land expansion on local demographics and community vitality.

Importance of retirees' dignity and involvement

Mathieu Théron, president of the FDSEA of Cantal, stressed that retirees should remain fully involved in agricultural life and live with dignity. He argued that retirees should not be expected to maintain territories and feed the population without being able to live with dignity, reinforcing the FDSEA's support for pension demands.

Concerns about aging, dependency, and employment-pension overlap

Marie-Line Bruel, a newly elected national representative to the SNAE board, addressed the issue of employment-pension overlap and called for vigilance regarding its consequences. She also emphasized the challenges of aging and dependency, noting that the law on old age remains pending.

Efforts to mobilize and strengthen local presence

André Carsac and his team highlighted the importance of collective mobilization in defending retirees' rights and maintaining connections with younger generations. The SDAE of Cantal plans to enhance its local presence by updating member files, reestablishing dialogue, and developing relay points. The group also aims to engage with former artisans and merchants to share experiences and address common challenges related to small pensions.