French agricultural unions staged dozens of protests across the country on Monday resume the demands that motivated their mobilization a year ago and, above all, oppose the termination of the free trade agreement between the European Union (EU) and Mercosur. One of these actions began on Sunday near Paris, on the N118 national road in Vélizy-Villacoublai, where dozens of farmers spent the night with their tractors to hold back traffic.
Other protest measures to slow down traffic or in front of the prefectures took place this Monday in regions such as Auvergne Rhône Alpes, Burgundy Franche Comté, Grand Est, New Aquitaine or Occitanie, Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur or the Countries of the Loire. France leads resistance against signing long-negotiated agreement between EU and Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguaywhich would create the largest free trade area in the world.
“Macron is not convincing”
The protests will continue in the coming days and so on Tuesday, for example, the A9 motorway is expected to be blocked at the border crossing with Spain at Le Boulou, which is the main entry point for Spanish trucks heading to France and the rest of the world . of Europe. The National Federation of Agricultural Workers’ Unions (FNSEA), the main professional organisation, reacted to the French President’s message, Emmanuel Macronwho last Sunday from Buenos Aires tried to reassure about a possible signing of the EU-Mercosur agreement.
Macron assured the press after meeting the Argentine president He had told Javier Milei “very sincerely and very clearly that France will not sign the agreement with Mercosur today as it is”. In its report .
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As they did in January during protests of unprecedented scale, agricultural workers used their tractors to block roads across France on Monday. They also planted large wooden crosses, as a symbol of his death, and urged Macron and the government to do more. The protests have been largely symbolic, but protesters say they are ready to increase the pressure.
“Enough with the promises, let’s start with the facts”, reads a sign displayed on a highway in the south-east of the country. “Macron, our agriculture is dying and you look the other way”said another. In total “85 demonstration points are being rolled out,” said Pierrick Horel, president of Young Farmers (JA). Less than a year after their great indignation movement, French farmers and ranchers continue to report insufficient income to survive.
“Unfair competition”
European trade policy is managed by the European Commission, which in recent weeks has shown a willingness to push forward this controversial deal, reached in 2019 after two decades of negotiations. To try to thwart these movements, French leaders have reiterated their opposition and announced that they are trying to form a coalition with other countries to apply a veto that France alone could not impose, at least not formally.
French farmers denounce unfair competition, as the production of these foods in the South American bloc is not subject to the same environmental and social requirements or the same health standards in case of poor controls. The main agricultural unions have decided to relaunch the mobilization to coincide with the G20 summit in Brazil.
The Brazilian Minister of Agriculture, Carlos Favarosaid Monday that the vast majority of EU countries have expressed interest in signing the free trade agreement with Mercosur and that France, which resists, will eventually give in to pressure from its partners. Fávaro said Europeans’ interest in the deal was evident in all the bilateral meetings Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva had on the sidelines of the G20 leaders’ summit.
“The vast majority of Europeans have expressed interest in the agreement, so it is to be expected that they will end up putting pressure on France to accept it”the Brazilian minister said in a press conference at the Museum of Modern Art in Rio, where the heads of state and government of the world’s major economies will meet until Tuesday. Fávaro said Lula took advantage of the bilateral meetings to overcome resistance to the agreement and resolve some issues, including from Brazil’s Mercosur partners, such as Paraguay.
The Agriculture Minister assured that, after the meeting that the progressive leader had on Sunday with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, it was clear that “the expectations are the best”. “We have never been this close to closing that deal.which is good for both Mercosur and the European Union,” he said. Favaro. Regarding France’s resistance, he said that Brazil considers it legitimate and that it understands the French government’s position to defend its agricultural producers, who distrust the greater efficiency of Mercosur producers.
What are the main concerns of French farmers regarding the EU-Mercosur trade agreement?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Agricultural Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to our interview today. We’re discussing the recent protests by French agricultural unions against the EU-Mercosur trade agreement. Joining us is Dr. Claire Dupont, an agricultural economist and expert on European trade policies. Claire, thank you for being here.
Dr. Claire Dupont (CD): Thank you for having me! It’s a crucial moment for agricultural policy in France and Europe.
TNE: The protests have been quite significant, with farmers using their tractors to block roads and express their concerns. What are the main demands of the French agricultural unions?
CD: The primary demand is to halt the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement. French farmers feel that this deal, which includes countries like Brazil and Argentina, could lead to unfair competition. They argue that South American agricultural products do not meet the same environmental and quality standards as those in Europe, which places them at a disadvantage.
TNE: Emmanuel Macron recently stated that France will not sign the agreement as it currently stands. How is this being received by the agricultural community?
CD: While Macron’s comments show some understanding of the farmers’ concerns, the response has been skeptical. Many farmers feel that words don’t translate into action, and with protests like the ones we saw in Vélizy-Villacoublai, they are clearly indicating that they want tangible results. There’s a growing sentiment that the government must take direct measures to protect local agriculture.
TNE: The protests are also symbolic, with demonstrations featuring large wooden crosses. Can you explain the message behind this?
CD: The crosses symbolize the death of local agriculture as farmers see it. Their message is that without immediate changes, farming in France could become unsustainable. The visual impact is designed to catch attention and resonate emotionally with the public and policymakers.
TNE: Across different regions in France, there have been varied responses and participation in protests. What could this mean for the overall agricultural policy in the EU?
CD: The widespread nature of these protests indicates a significant level of discontent among farmers, which could influence EU policy. If France, as one of the largest agricultural producers in Europe, continues to voice strong opposition against the EU-Mercosur deal, it may force the European Commission to reconsider or amend the agreement. Collective actions like these can also create coalitions with other countries that share similar concerns.
TNE: You mentioned “unfair competition.” How does this impact the profits and livelihoods of local farmers?
CD: Farmers in France often operate under stricter regulations regarding environmental practices and labor rights. When cheaper products from Mercosur countries flood the market, it can lead to price drops that jeopardize the income of local farmers. Many are already struggling to survive economically, and this deal could exacerbate those challenges.
TNE: As we look forward, how might the agricultural unions shift their strategies in light of these protests?
CD: The unions likely will continue to ramp up pressure, perhaps by coordinating protests around major political events, such as the upcoming G20 summit in Brazil. They may also look to engage in dialogue with other EU member states to strengthen their position against the agreement. Furthermore, using more direct actions coupled with public campaigns could increase awareness and support for their cause.
TNE: Claire, thank you so much for your insights today. The situation is evolving quickly, and it’s clear that the agricultural community feels urgent action is necessary.
CD: Thank you! It’s a critical moment, and we must keep a close eye on how both local and European leaders respond to these pressing concerns.
TNE: Indeed, we will. Thank you once again for joining us!