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