As the European Union and South America’s Mercosur bloc aim to finalize trade negotiations, French farmers are gearing up for protests against the potential deal. The farmers are expressing frustration over foreign competition, which has exacerbated the farming crisis in the country.
Issues such as rain-hit harvests, livestock disease outbreaks, and delays in promised government measures have added to the discontent among farmers in France. The prospect of increased imports from Brazil and Argentina, known for their practices involving pesticides and growth antibiotics, has raised concerns among French farmers.
The protests are expected to continue until mid-December, with rallies planned in front of government buildings. President Emmanuel Macron has voiced his opposition to the deal, but with France lacking support from EU allies in the negotiations, the authorities may struggle to appease the farmers.
The situation highlights the challenges faced by farmers in Europe, particularly in France, and underscores the importance of addressing their grievances to ensure the sustainability of the agricultural sector.