New support measures for farmers

The French government has introduced new preventive measures to address growing concerns about agricultural distress, following fears of a resurgence of farmer-related tensions exacerbated by drought conditions.

National registration sheet for farmers in need

Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard announced the publication of a "national registration sheet of support devices for farmers in difficulty," which can be distributed by public and associative actors who may come into contact with farmers in distress, including the 12,000 volunteers known as "sentinels" deployed across the country to detect agricultural distress.

Emergency resources included in the document

The document, which lists emergency numbers, including a "suicide prevention" line, and outlines the actors and assistance available, was consulted by AFP. It aims to provide immediate access to help for farmers facing severe difficulties.

Focus on human consequences of drought

Genevard emphasized that the human consequences of the summer's drought would not disappear with the return of rain and stated she would not wait for a significant increase in distress reports before acting. She also announced the appointment of a counselor responsible for combating agricultural distress.

Support efforts and outreach

Between September 1 and October 6, the MSA funds made more than 25,000 outgoing calls and carried out over 1,000 social interventions. Associations such as Solidarité Paysans have highlighted the challenges faced by geographically and socially isolated farmers in seeking help.

Future plans for agricultural distress

Genevard also outlined plans to improve the prevention and support of agricultural distress, with initial measures expected to be introduced in early 2027. She aims to ensure that the "human dimension" and prevention are systematically included in the government's responses to crises, including climatic, health, and economic ones, and to create a robust method for measuring agricultural distress, a data collection area that has proven challenging.