Farmers' support for culture - an expression of civic engagement or a threat to community unity?

As the cultural community continues to grumble and express dissatisfaction with the participation of "Nemunas aušros" in the coalition, farmers have also taken note. The social networking group „Facebook“ group „Lietuvos zemdirbių protesto akcija“ announces the possible joining of farmers to the cultural protests, but the decision is received with mixed feelings in the farming community itself.  

Political activism – a sign of democracy

Martynas Puidokas, Vice-Chairman of the Lithuanian Farmers' Union (LFA), sees farmers' activism as positive. „In any case, I consider civic activism positive. It is a civic expression. We need to express our painful problems, our point of view. It's a democratic process," he says.

Audrius Vanagas, Chairman of the Lithuanian Grain Growers Association (LGAA), echoes him. He believes that supporting the cultural sector is a sign of civic responsibility.

„In the political sphere of the state, all processes are moving in a negative direction. So, first of all, as a responsible citizen, I believe that agriculture will not be strong unless our country is strong. The destruction of the value foundation and the artificial division of society are worrying," says Vanagas.

He calls on farmers to remain united, to think bigger – not only about the sector but also about the future of the country.

Farmers and citizens alike

LŪS Pakruojis Branch Manager Gedas Špakauskas also supports the civic activism of his colleagues.

„We are not only farmers but also citizens. Therefore, it is important what is happening in Lithuania and what will happen in the future. It is not surprising that farmers want to join the culturalists and show that they care about the processes of the state," he believes.

According to the farmer, part of the community feels betrayed by politicians' promises and disappointed after the elections, so the protest is like an emotional discharge and a way to express their opinion.

„We attended meetings before the elections with politicians, with representatives of „Nemunas aušros“, we listened to what they said. But after the elections, the lies started. Even during the protest on the tax increase, Remigijus Žemaitaitis himself said straight out that we must have a tax increase. He did not support us and he was not in favour. Some farmers are probably angry about all the lies and it is no wonder that they are now protesting," continues Špakauskas.

An issue of unity

Not all representatives of the farming community, however, are in full solidarity with the cultural representatives. Mindaugas Maciulevičius, chairman of the Kaunas District Farmers' Union (KRŪS), stresses that it is important not to confuse civic activism with the initiatives of a few people, who masquerade on behalf of all.

„I unequivocally support the possibility of pluralism for everyone, because the farming community, like society as a whole, is some on the right, some on the left, and some not interested in politics at all. I support the very process that some farmers are involved in all this. But what I really don't support is the cover-up in the name of all farmers," he says.

According to Maciulevičius, the „Lithuanian Farmers' Protest Action“ group has a strong presence and visibility on social networks. It has mobilised farmers in previous community protests – against taxes, the Green Cross campaign, the tractor march to Vilnius. It has been a unifying force, but now, according to the KRŪS chairman, it risks becoming a source of division.

„You cannot use the name of all farmers and you should respect those who disagree. How much effort it took to unite us, and now there is an artificial division – just because of a few stubborn people“, – Maciulevičius regrets.

He also stresses that no joint decision has been taken on the participation of farmers in cultural protest organisations or unions – it is an initiative of individuals.