Feuds between French farmers and incomers force talks

[Dover]

Thought some here my identify with this story. And while those who do move to the country might enjoy the company of other urban refugees moving to their area, it's also just as likely that those who move to the country from a more urban lifestyle are the ones least likely to welcome others who are following the same dream for fear of increased development. In any case, its an adjustment for everyone.

Feuds between French farmers and incomers force talks
By Henry Samuel in Galiax, south-west France
25/05/2008

A growing number of bitter feuds between farmers and incomers hoping for an idyllic life in the French countryside has forced local authorities to organise crisis talks to bridge the cultural divide.

Tensions have risen with increasing numbers of city dwellers buying homes to escape the stress of French urban life, while large numbers of British arrivals have been lured in part by new, low-cost air routes.

Although still sparsely populated, like the rest of La France profonde, the Gers region in the south-west has seen waves of new arrivals. According to the local chamber of agriculture, behind the tableau of sunflowers, wheat and barley fields stretching far over its lush, rolling hills lie simmering disputes between farmers and the so-called "neo-rurals".

While they were drawn to the country's second biggest farming départment for its Armagnac, foie gras, and romantic reputation as home to The Three Musketeers, incomers have repeatedly complained about the stench of manure and poultry, and the roar of combine harvesters operating throughout the night.

In come cases the disputes reach the courts. Last June a judge ruled in favour of a cockerel after its owner was taken to court by neighbours who said its dawn crowing was depriving them of sleep.

..cont'd

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/global/main.jhtml?xml=/global/2008/05/26/noindex/nfarmer.xml&CMP=EMC-expat2008

[maxsolomon]

1. "incomers"?

won't be many "low cost" air routes left at $130/barrel.

don't fuck with my armagnac.

[Vincardog]

2. This story is not new. Some yuppie moves to the country to raise their kid in the healthy atmosphere

They move in between a dairy farm and a corn farm. Then they complain that the cows smell and the farmer working his farm ruins their "quiet enjoyment" of their 1.5 acres by running tractors and combines.

It is exactly like when you are having a smoke and a beer at your local. Some over educated fool sits down next to you and then starts acting as if your smoking is an irritant to them.

[KSinTX]

3. Totally get this ... and on some level am living it

and am on the farmers' side. I remember when the military used to buy the land surrounding bases to abate encroachment and noise complaints. I think if you move to an area for its "charm" you should probably get to understand them fully. My problem is more a suburban over-development issue. I love the charm and my neighborhood had streets lined with the most lovely and stately old trees that were subsequently cut down to widen the street because two new housing developments were put into fields I would have sworn were just pretty good sized front lawns! And so it goes with builders taxing an already over-taxed aquifer. Just when you think you've dodged the overbuilding bullet.

[midnight]

4. The "neo-rurals". love the wide open spaces, and can't wait to

build them into their previous way of living with all the accomidies of city living. Free of course from farm smells, and noises.

[LWolf]

5. This happens here at home all the time.

Rural estates for the wealthy overrule the realities of rural life.

[galledgoblin]

6. yuppie sees a picture in Martha Stewart Living, thinks "wow, that'd be great for the kids!"

hilarity ensues.

[Dover]

7. I think it's also attractive to retirement age folks.

When they have land to maintain, and perhaps animals too, they can quickly get overwhelmed with all the work. A strong dose of realism is needed, but if that's been someone's dream then why not try it?