BEAUVAIS, France (AP) — French farmers have escalated their protests against the ongoing negotiations for the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, voicing strong concerns over potential unfair competition that could jeopardize their livelihoods. Supported by their government, farmers argue that the deal would permit a flood of South American agricultural imports produced under less stringent environmental standards, undermining local producers.
On Monday, farmers in Beauvais, northern France, disrupted traffic with approximately 50 tractors and staged a protest outside a government office responsible for enforcing environmental regulations. They dumped manure and tires in front of the building and set up a noisy camp nearby, using firecrackers to amplify their message.
“The government slept on its agriculture, so we won’t let them sleep,” declared Régis Desrumaux, head of the FDSEA Oise farmers’ union. “Last year, we protested for the same reasons: too much paperwork, overly strict norms, not enough help from the state. Now, with unfair competition from South American products boosted with hormones and GMOs, it’s the final straw.”
Armelle Fraiture, a 25-year-old farmer who recently took over her family’s dairy farm, expressed her anxiety about the prospect of South American beef entering the French market. “My partner and I want to do this for the rest of our lives, but we don’t earn much from our farm right now,” she said. “I feel that the horizon is bleak and that our work is disrespected.”
Protests were widespread, with farmers burning vine stems in Bordeaux and blocking the “Europe Bridge” in Strasbourg. The FNSEA, one of France’s main agricultural unions, reported over 85 demonstrations across the country on Monday.
Supporters of the EU-Mercosur agreement argue that it would significantly enhance economic ties between Europe and South America by eliminating tariffs on European exports, particularly machinery, chemicals, and cars, thereby creating lucrative opportunities for businesses. However, the deal has faced substantial opposition from French farmers and some European governments, notably France.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot described the current terms of the agreement as “unacceptable.” However, there are concerns that the agreement could be finalized at the upcoming G20 summit in Brazil, or soon thereafter, potentially sidelining French interests as France lacks veto power in the negotiations.
Other EU nations, such as Germany and Spain, are advocating for a comprehensive deal with Mercosur countries, emphasizing the geopolitical importance of expanding trade agreements. Spanish Farm Minister Luis Planas Puchades stated, “Is the European Union interested, at this moment, in closing in on itself? Or is it interested in expanding the network of our trade agreements with third countries to maintain our economic and commercial influence? I think the answer is very clear.”
The protests are being led by agricultural unions opposing provisions that would allow duty-free imports of beef, poultry, and sugar, which they argue create an uneven playing field. Coordination Rurale, a far-right-linked union, has pledged to initiate an “agricultural revolt,” including food freight blockades in southwestern France starting Tuesday.
Earlier protests in France and across Europe this year highlighted farmers’ frustrations with EU regulations, financial challenges, and demands for fairer agricultural policies, as well as opposition to the trade agreement.
French Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard has publicly criticized the EU-Mercosur trade deal, citing concerns over deforestation and health risks associated with hormone-treated meat. President Emmanuel Macron has also voiced opposition to the agreement unless South American producers adhere to EU standards.
Farmers are pushing for their demonstrations to exert pressure on the French government and EU officials to block or renegotiate the trade agreement to better protect their interests.
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