[Press release - COPAIN 35] Farmers, men and women, we are more determined than ever.

Press release - COPAIN 35

Tuesday 10 April 2018 Notre-Dame-des-Landes - COPAIN 35 Farmers, men and women, we are more determined than ever. A police operation is in progress on the site of the former proposed airport at Notre-Dame-des-Landes. Since 17 January and the decision to abandon the airport project, constructive and peaceful contact had been made between the different participants in this affair. Space for discussion with the State and with local authorities had been opened up, and that had made us optimistic for the future of agriculture and a return to legality in the ZAD. But unfortunately, on Monday, during the first day of the police operation now in progress, agricultural projects were targeted for destruction – for example the “100 Noms” farm. We therefore fear a significant hardening of positions, whereas the situation could have been resolved in a more peaceful way. The events in progress at the ZAD today, Tuesday, only confirm our impressions of yesterday. Today any trust that existed has been broken, which obliges us to react strongly, immediately and with determination. The farmers, men and women, of COPAIN 35 hereby call for the preservation of the agricultural projects existing in the ZAD at Notre-Dame-des-Landes and the protection of the persons present locally who participate in the daily life of the local environment. We call on everyone who can, men and women, to come to the ZAD as soon as possible to provide the support necessary given the large scale of the police/military operation now underway. We are also mobilizing in Rennes, beginning tomorrow, Wednesday 11 April. The meeting place is the roundabout on the road to Nantes at 5 p.m.