Nationwide Protests Loom as French Farmers Rally Against EU-Mercosur Trade Deal

France's main farmers' union plans nationwide protests against a looming EU-Mercosur trade deal. The agreement is feared to bring cheaper imports to the EU, worsening a farming crisis. Farmers, already impacted by poor harvests and disease, demand action amid regulatory burdens and political tensions.

France is on the brink of major farmer-led protests as the country's principal agricultural union announced demonstrations set for mid-November, driven by dissatisfaction with a potential EU-Mercosur trade deal. Farmers fear such an agreement could facilitate an influx of cheaper imports, exacerbating a farming crisis fueled by competition from low-cost goods and stringent EU regulations.

The backlash comes amid a year of turmoil for French agriculture, hit hard by adverse weather and disease outbreaks, alongside political stalemate. Discontent was particularly evident after a snap election earlier this year. Recent weeks have seen local protests reignite, indicating the deep-seated nature of the grievances.

FNSEA union president Arnaud Rousseau highlighted the 'renewed incoherency' at the European level as a catalyst for the planned demonstrations. Previous protests involved dramatic actions such as roadblocks and burning hay bales. As trade talks appeared to progress towards a 2023 conclusion, French leaders, including President Emmanuel Macron, have shown opposition to finalizing the deal.

(With inputs from agencies.)