fr flag go to the original language article
This article has been translated by Artificial Intelligence (AI). The news agency is not responsible for the content of the translated article. The original was published by AFP.

France: new outburst of anger from farmers against the agreement with Mercosur

by AI | 18.Nov 2024 | Europe in brief AI

French agricultural unions are again calling on their supporters to protest against a free trade agreement prepared by the EU with Mercosur.

A man drives a tractor with a banner saying "Europe, do you still want your agriculture?" during a demonstration organized by members of the FDSEA 67 federation of farmers and "Young Farmers 67" as part of a national protest against the EU-Mercosur agreement, at the Europe bridge in Strasbourg (Photo: Frederick Florin / AFP)

“`html

Paris – French farmers were mobilized once again on Monday, less than a year after a wave of anger in the countryside that the prospect of an agreement with Mercosur could ignite.

The majority FNSEA-JA union alliance in the sector in France initiated more than 80 symbolic actions.

In Cannet-des-Maures (southwest), for example, some 300 farmers placed soil on the road and planted crosses symbolizing the death of French agriculture, which they consider threatened by this agreement, which will notably allow Latin American countries to sell more beef, chicken, or sugar without customs duties in Europe.

Several countries, including Spain and Germany, want the agreement concluded, which would favor their exports of cars, machines, or pharmaceutical products.

Italian Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida spoke out on Monday against the draft agreement in its current form, demanding that Mercosur farmers be subject to the same environmental and health “obligations” as those in the EU. (November 18, 2024)

“`