Farmer Fined and Ordered to Destroy Shed as Neighbours Complain Over Cattle Odour & Noise

After neighbors filed a lawsuit over his cattle's noise and odors, the courts ordered a French dairy farmer to pay over €100,000 and remove his shed. In March 2022, Vincent Verschuere, a farmer from Saint-Aubin-en-Bray (Oise), north of Paris, appeared in court.

According to the court, the issue has been going on for a decade. Neighbors have expressed worry, particularly in light of the farm's recent development.

The court heard how he used a loan of €600,000 to expand his farm by building two sheds. He is in the process of repaying this, and after the court case, he will have to demolish the building.

According to French media reports, the Court of Appeal of Amiens confirmed in March a ruling of the court of Beauvais from 2018, which had recognized the "abnormal neighborhood disturbances" caused by the exploitation in the first instance. Farmers have rallied behind Verschuere, a 33-year-old cow farmer with around 250 head.

They've set up a fundraising website to help the farmer financially, are planning a rally/protest, and have started a petition.

"Welcome to this support kitty for Vincent Verschuere's Farm and his mom, Chantal," a spokesman said on the Leetchi fundraising page.

"Every day, many of you provide moral support to the Verschuere Farm. This gives them the strength to keep fighting. We've recently launched this support pot in response to your requests."

"As a reminder, they have been trying to continue their activities in several judicial actions for more than ten years."

"On Tuesday, March 8th, they were condemned to have the shed where their milking parlor, cows, and young bulls are located demolished and pay €102,000 in compensation to the neighbors."

"Vincent is unable to continue his work without his work tool. They are currently astonished by this decision and have no solutions. On the other hand, lawyers are still exploring legal remedies or another settlement to appease the neighbors."

"As a result, your contributions will be used to fund the building's fittings as well as legal expenditures to continue our administrative operations. Please feel free to donate whatever amount; any type of support is greatly appreciated," the spokesman added.

To show their support for the French farmer, they have started a petition called Save the Farm: No to the Demolition of the Verschuere Family Shed.