Since 2010, Jean-Luc Blanc Simon has been one of France’s many farmer-mayors. A situation that came about somewhat by chance, it requires him to juggle his mayoral sash with his farmer’s smock, and to make some difficult choices. “If I hadn’t become mayor, I would no doubt have expanded into other workshops, other crops, and acquired more land,” he confides.
Re-elected a few weeks ago, he nevertheless sees this role as a wonderful opportunity to engage with others. “On my farm, I’m used to making decisions on my own, to moving quickly. At the town hall, on the other hand, you have to engage in dialogue and make decisions as a team.”
207
Following the most recent local elections, this is the number of mayors who are farmers in the departments of Gers, Landes and Pyrénées-Atlantiques.
Don’t just dream of an ideal agricultural system
In his local authority, where only 2 out of 26 elected representatives are farmers, he has established himself as one of the leading voices for the rural community. “At first, during council meetings, agriculture was discussed in ideological terms. Gradually, the other councillors came to understand that there was a professional and economic reality behind it. We cannot simply dream of an ideal form of agriculture.” This patient educational approach means that he is now routinely consulted whenever a matter relates, directly or indirectly, to the agricultural sector.
11,6%
This is the percentage of mayors who are farmers in France. Although this figure has been falling steadily with each election, this profession remains one of the most well-represented. This is a key asset at a time of climate, food and regional transitions.
To be the voice of Maïsadour and its members
This privileged position also enables him to speak on behalf of Maïsadour and its key stakeholders. “The elected representatives around us need to be aware of the asset that the Cooperative, its members and its employees represent. Defending our work also means contributing to the economic vitality and social fabric of our regions. We cannot stand alone, and neither can they.”
This is a principle that Maïsadour has also incorporated into its AMBiTiON 2030 strategy, working and engaging in daily dialogue with all its partners to support the agriculture of tomorrow.
