Overview
- Genevard said France will not sign any agreement that would "condemn" its farmers, reaffirming the government’s stance three days after Emmanuel Macron’s more upbeat comments.
- Paris set three conditions for backing the pact: a specific agricultural safeguard clause, mirror measures to prevent lower-standard imports, and strengthened sanitary controls.
- The proposed safeguard would permit an emergency brake if a surge of imports drives a sharp price drop that threatens a sector.
- France insists it will maintain its position until guarantees are written, validated, and accepted by Mercosur, while Brazil has floated a possible December 20 signing.
- Macron’s "rather positive" tone drew criticism from political rivals and farm groups, as France underscores that several EU countries share its concerns.