Farmers’ anger: where does the yellow hat worn by the demonstrators come from?

Agricultural mobilizations are back at the start of 2025 and so are their symbols. Before a meeting scheduled for January 13 with the Prime Minister, demonstrators from the agricultural world tried to go to Paris this Monday to demand better remuneration.

Some of them claimed to have been blocked by the authorities simply because of “wearing a yellow cap”, reports AFP. And for good reason, this headgear has become emblematic of agricultural mobilization.

“This is what brings us together, our distinctive sign,” boasts James Duclos, one of the demonstrators met by the video service of Le Parisien this Monday morning in Orveau (Essonne).

From Rural Coordination (CR)

This accessory was originally associated with Rural Coordination (CR), the second agricultural union in France behind the FNSEA (National Federation of Agricultural Operators’ Unions). “It’s in our image: simple, practical, good-natured,” explained Franck Olivier, president of the CR de Charente in January 2024 in the columns of Le Parisien.

While ensuring that there is no obligation to wear the hat, James Duclos, member of the CR du Cher, told Le Parisien that the yellow hats are distributed by the union. On an initiative from the CR du Cher, “jackets are arriving next week,” he adds proudly.