Lyon, France – On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, farmers blocking the M7 motorway south of Lyon engaged in discussions with Fabienne Buccio, the Prefect of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The meeting, which took place near Pierre-Bénite around midday, aimed to address the farmers’ grievances concerning the Mercosur trade agreement and the ongoing crisis of nodular dermatosis affecting cattle.
Dialogue Amidst Deep-Seated Frustration
The dialogue was described as intense but courteous, with farmers expressing profound worries about the future of their livelihoods. Serge Genevay, president of the Rural Coordination 69, challenged the Prefect, stating, “If you no longer want farmers in France, say so. Because in that case, we will stop. At some point, we will stop fighting.” This sentiment reflects a widespread feeling of abandonment among the agricultural community.
Florent, a 40-year-old arboriculturist, underscored the urgency of the situation, appealing, “We need to be given the means to work, and it needs to happen quickly. The next season is in two months.”
No Concrete Solutions Despite Prefecture’s Reassurance
Prefect Buccio, invited “symbolically” by the Rural Coordination of the Rhône, attempted to reassure the protestors, promising to “relay their demands.” However, her assurances did not fully convince the farmers. Following the meeting, Serge Genevay admitted he was not “naïve” and understood that the discussion alone would not alter the situation. “We are beyond discussion at this stage, because the problems of farmers are already known to the State. We have had fine promises for a long time,” he lamented.
Uncertainty Surrounds Lifting of Blockade
The ongoing blockade of the M7 is exacerbated by a prefectural decree issued on Monday, January 5, prohibiting the movement of tractors until January 8. Prefect Buccio attempted to negotiate the farmers’ departure coinciding with the lifting of this decree. However, the president of the Rural Coordination did not confirm an end to the mobilization, indicating that the protest could continue beyond Thursday, January 8.
Key Concerns of the Farmers:
- Mercosur Agreement: Farmers fear the negative impact of the free-trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur countries on their competitiveness and income.
- Nodular Dermatosis: The government’s handling of the viral cattle disease, including the culling of entire herds, is a major point of contention. Farmers argue for more selective culling and faster vaccination programs.
- Lack of Support: A general feeling of neglect and insufficient support from the government to address the economic challenges faced by the agricultural sector.
The situation remains tense, with farmers resolute in their demands for tangible governmental action rather than mere promises. The continued blockade highlights the deep-seated issues within the French agricultural sector and the urgent need for effective solutions.
Source: [mesinfos.fr](https://mesinfos.fr/69000-lyon/la-prefete-de-region-a-rencontre-les-agriculteurs-qui-bloquent-le-sud-de-lyon-237211.html)
