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

[uppityperson]

1. Do you have a link as I'd like to read more. Thank you.

[Dover]

2. Oops....sorry. Here it is >

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

[CC]

3. Someone needs to tell them what we tell the city

people that move here. Yes it is beautiful, yes it is great to not live with in arms reach of your neighbor but you will also have to live with the farm odors and sounds. The farms were here first and if you can't take it move elsewhere.

[sazemisery]

4. I would much rather smell manure than...

urban smog. I have lived in the country for 28 years and am surrounded by farmers and a river with a shipping port. We have a military base across the river and sometimes feel we are in a war zone with the munitions fire and helicopters overhead. I would not trade it for "city" life at all.