A group of farmers and their tractors blockaded the entrances to the Colruyt supermarkets in Hannut and Waremme, in the province of Liège, on Saturday afternoon.
Both Colruyt supermarkets in Liège’s Hesbaye region have been inaccessible since Saturday morning in Waremme and mid-afternoon in Hannut. Farmers arrived at around midday and aren’t letting anyone in. They’ve announced that the protest will continue until closing time at 20:00, said a store manager in Hannut.
Customers who had been in the stores when the farmers arrived were able to leave without difficulties. However, no one has been able to access the sites since then.
The Federation of Young Farmers (FJA) of Hannut teamed up with that of Waremme to carry out the protest. “We are voicing our discontent, especially in response to Colruyt’s announcement of wanting to increase the price of meat by €1.50 per kilo, with just 50 cents going back to the farmers. It’s taking us for a ride!” farmer Raoul Sale told Belga News Agency.
In recent weeks, farmers have held numerous protests across Belgium and Europe to express their frustration about unfair remuneration, excessive administration, and foreign competition. Several supermarket distribution centres have been blocked, causing supply issues in stores.
