French Farmers Protest Regulations with Symbolic Blockades

Farmers across France target public buildings and institutions, decrying regulatory constraints and free trade concerns.

Farmers erected a wall of breeze blocks at the Inrae research institute in Paris, criticizing it for imposing constraints instead of supporting agricultural productivity.
Protests included 28 actions in 24 departments, involving 1,600 participants and 479 agricultural vehicles, with many targeting public offices like prefectures and biodiversity agencies.
Key grievances include restrictions on pesticides without effective alternatives, leading to significant productivity losses for crops like sugar beets.
Demonstrators also expressed opposition to the proposed EU-Mercosur free trade agreement, fearing competition from South American imports that bypass EU environmental and safety standards.
Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard condemned the protests' property damage, while farmers demanded reduced bureaucracy and greater economic support to address challenges like drought and declining revenues.