2024-10-22 12:57:00
Two of the largest agricultural unions, the FNSEA and the Jeune Agriculteurs, on Tuesday called for protests to resume “from November 15th”.
The November date was scheduled ahead of negotiations on the Mercosur trade deal between the EU and South America. This deal has been a particular source of anger for French farmers who argue it will flood the European market with cheap meat and grains, produced by farmers who do not have to adhere to strict EU regulations.
“The deal would open the door to 99,000 tonnes of beef, 180,000 tonnes of poultry, the equivalent of 3.4 million tonnes of corn and 180,000 tonnes of sugar,” the two unions warned in a jointly drafted press release with associations specializing in beef. beetroot, milk, corn and poultry.
Several local farmers’ groups have already resumed actions: last week 200 farmers demonstrated with placards in front of the Ariège prefecture while in the Gers around 60 farmers unloaded sheep’s wool, bales of hay and straw.
Meanwhile, Jérôme Bayle, the creator of the first blockades, declared on Sud Radio in September that a new round of protests was planned pending the meeting with the new prime minister Michel Barnier – but added: “We will not say the dates , need to create a surprise effect.”
Announcement
Throughout rural France many signs in the village remain upside down – an early symbol of protests by farmers who say increasing French and EU regulations are making it impossible for them to earn a living.
Widespread protests in January and February saw farmers block highways, set up roadblocks for tractors and blockade key sites such as the Rungis wholesale food market near Paris.
The protests were eventually called off after the government gave assurances, but unions say some of their demands have not been met.
#French #farmers #call #protests #November