French farmers cancel plans to block A10 and A71 motorways
Planned protest over water usage study called off after authorities pledge to pause decision over water use and possible restrictions
Demonstrations outside local authority buildings are possible, but roads will not be blocked
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Plans by a leading farmers’ association to block two major French motorways in protest have been called off, following a last-minute agreement with local authorities over a disputed water study.
The Jeunes Agriculteurs group planned to hold a major protest from today to Sunday (October 30 - November 2), blocking the A10 and A71 where the roads connect to the west of Orléans.
The action was expected to cause major traffic hold-ups for those returning to Paris from half-term holidays but has been cancelled.
However, demonstrations outside the Loiret prefecture in Orléans are still due to take place.
The protest was called over the publication of a water impact study in the department, which farmers fear could be used to impose restrictions on them such as water confiscation.
Farmers in the Vienne department previously staged a similar protest over a HMUC (Hydrologie, Milieux, Usages, Climat) study in the area. The study claimed that up to half of water usage in the department came from farmers irrigating crops.
A prolonged meeting between farmers and the Loiret prefecture yesterday afternoon (October 29) resulted in a cancellation of the action, in return for a six-month delay on using the study to implement new rules.
It means that any changes to water usage resulting from the study, including water withdrawals enforced by the state, cannot be signed by the prefecture until at least spring 2026.
