Farmers in France drove around 350 tractors through Paris to protest against the EU-Mercosur trade deal and low incomes. The farmers, led by the FNSEA farmers’ union and Jeunes Agriculteurs, demanded action to safeguard France’s food security. Signs on the tractors read, “No country without farmers” and “No farmers means no food.”
The protests occurred ahead of the scheduled signing of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement in Paraguay. European farmers have raised concerns about the deal, fearing an influx of cheaper imports that could saturate the markets. Despite opposition from several countries, the majority of EU member states approved the agreement.
French Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon announced plans to support farmers, focusing on issues like income, water, and climate change adaptation. Minister of Agriculture Annie Genevard stated that the government is allocating 300 million euros to aid farmers, emphasizing the importance of protecting supply chains and ensuring food sovereignty.
Farmers in France previously protested in central Paris against the Mercosur Free Trade Agreement, storming the city with tractors. The protesters expressed worries about the impact of the trade deal on their livelihoods. The Rural Coordination union organized the protests to pressure the French government to reconsider its stance on the agreement.
