French farmers have blockaded roads and demonstrated across the country, with a major protest planned for January 20, in response to a looming free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur nations.
After more than two decades of negotiations, the European Union and the Mercosur trade bloc—comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay—are set to sign a free trade agreement this Saturday, January 17.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to officially sign the deal, which would reduce customs duties on goods flowing between the two regions.
The agreement is intended to boost European exports of cars, alcohol, chocolates, and cheeses, but will also lead to an increase in imports of meat, sugar, and cereals from South America.
European farmers argue that this creates an “unfair” competition, citing significant differences in production standards and, ultimately, lower prices for South American goods.
French Farmers Voice Concerns
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As tensions rise, French farmers have been organizing protests throughout the country. On Friday, January 9, approximately 50 tractors from the CR 67 union joined 20 German tractors in a joint demonstration on the Europe Bridge in Strasbourg.
Farmers from all walks of life participated in the demonstration organized by the Bas-Rhin branch of Rural Coordination (CR). From goat breeders facing halved subsidies to 22-year-old farmers questioning whether to take over the family business, the protests reflect a profession under significant strain.
“Mercosur will bring imports that will flood the market with low prices, and we receive no support from France or Europe. This absolutely has to change, otherwise it will be the end of French agriculture,” warned Marc Chalon, a 57-year-old cereal grower in Moselle.
Chalon and his colleagues feel they have no way to compete with the anticipated influx of cheaper imports. “It’s impossible,” he added.
Marc was joined by a younger colleague, 22-year-old Maël, who works with his parents on a mixed crop and livestock farm. Like many young farmers, Maël is hesitant about continuing the family business.
“I’m increasingly questioning whether to take over the farm. That’s why we’re fighting to save this profession. But it’s hard to plan for the future,” he lamented.
A Shrinking Profession
“We would like the CAP [Common Agricultural Policy, a European Union agricultural subsidy program] to not exist, that we can live from our work without help,” said Luc, a dairy farmer in Bas-Rhin.
According to a November 2025 report by the Terre de Liens movement, 90% of French departments lost more than half of their farms between 1988 and 2020, a trend that could worsen in the coming years.
Shrinking Subsidies
“This year, I lost €11,000 in CAP subsidies, which represents 50% of my aid. 2025 was a very complicated year, and 2026 promises to be the same,” explained Marie-Paule Boehler, a mixed crop and livestock farmer in Uttenheim.
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