Sandrine Rousseau confronts farmers at Couthures-sur-Garonne barbecue protest

On 11 July 2026, during the International Journalism Festival in Couthures‑sur‑Garonne, French green deputy Sandrine Rousseau was met by farmers and hunters who had set up a barbecue to protest her remarks on agricultural profitability. A banner read “Pour sauver un agriculteur, mangez un vegan” (“to save a farmer, eat a vegan”).

Rousseau replied to the crowd that she was “an economist” and argued that the quest for profit was harming farmers, urging a minimum agricultural income to protect their dignity. The exchange grew heated, with participants accusing her of “nothing to do with our revenue”, and Rousseau left the gathering after being jeered.

The incident revived debate over the Duplomb law, pesticide regulations and the broader tension between Paris‑based ecological policies and rural agricultural traditions.