Activists block 1,000-cow dairy farm in France

About one hundred activists opposed to “factory farming” have blocked a 1,000-cow dairy farm under construction in France.


The protesters belong to the Confédération Paysanne, an agricultural union that promotes organic farming and is opposed to large-scale agricultural production.


They handcuffed themselves to posts in a bid to stop the construction of the large dairy farm, which is located between Drucat and Buigny-Saint Maclou in the Somme.


According to the activists, the farm is a “symbol of industrial agriculture which kills countrymen”.


Construction magnate Michel Ramery, the 349th richest man in France, is determined to build the unit on a 5.7ha farm, which would become the largest dairy farm in the country.


He plans to open the farm this spring, which will house up to 1,000 cows in a 234m barn.


But protesters have been increasing their activity against the €11m (£9m) project since 14 March last year after French authorities granted permission for the construction of the building.


See also: 1,000-cow Welsh cow dairy plans face battle

Photograph by Mathieu Elsinger

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