Farmers protest against wild boar damage

More than 50 farmers gathered in front of several local administrative buildings to express their frustration over the damage caused by wild boar, which they say has become unsustainable for their operations. The protest followed a severe drought that already weakened their agricultural activities, making the situation even more difficult.

Drought and repeated replanting

Many farmers have replanted pastures to restore their forage supplies, but in some areas, these newly planted plots were quickly destroyed. Some farms had to reseed the same fields up to four times, while others lost a large portion of their autumn pastures, compounding their losses.

Wild boar population deemed incompatible

FDSEA 43 and JA 43, two agricultural organizations, describe the situation as a double hardship for farmers, who are already recovering from the drought. They argue that wild boar populations have grown to levels that make farming in certain areas of Haute-Loire unviable, despite most hunters being cooperative and aware of the challenges.

Calls for immediate action

Despite years of discussions and working groups, farmers say the damage has not decreased. They now demand concrete solutions instead of more meetings or promises. A recent meeting with local authorities ended in dissatisfaction, as the state did not fully understand the severity of the situation or provide clear answers.

Key demands for reducing wild boar impact

Farmers are calling for immediate measures, including reducing wild boar populations through administrative shooting, night shooting, and wolf hunting. They also want wild boar classified as a species likely to cause damage, which would allow for more trapping. Additionally, they demand a total ban on grain feeding, which they believe has worsened the damage since rules were relaxed.

Compensation and legal obligations

FDSEA 43 and JA 43 remind authorities that hunting rights were granted free of charge to those who hold them, and in return, the law requires compensation for damage caused by large game. Since 2024, the threshold for compensation is set at 150 euros of cumulative damage per farm and hunting season, replacing the previous 3% damage criterion.

Prioritizing agricultural production

The organizations stress that after a historic drought, the priority must be to support farmers who provide food for the region. They insist that the focus should now be on ensuring agricultural production can continue without further disruption.