French Farmers Escalate Protests Against EU-Mercosur Trade Deal and Agricultural Policies

Farmers across France intensify demonstrations for a second week, targeting government offices and supply chains, citing economic struggles and regulatory burdens.

Farmers are protesting the EU-Mercosur trade deal, which they argue creates unfair competition by allowing imports that do not meet EU's strict standards.
Demonstrations include blockades of highways, government offices, and distribution centers, with actions planned in nearly all French departments this week.
Key demands include better financial support, access to water, simplified regulations, and the reauthorization of certain banned pesticides like acétamipride.
Tensions between major agricultural unions, including FNSEA and Coordination Rurale, are escalating as they vie for influence ahead of January 2025 professional elections.
The French government is working to build a coalition within the EU to block the Mercosur agreement, with Italy and Poland already expressing opposition.