French farmers mobilize for nationwide protests next month

France's main farmers' union has announced plans for nationwide protests next month, driven by growing discontent over the push to finalize a trade deal between the European Union and Mercosur countries.

Anger at competition from cheaper imports, including from EU ally Ukraine, and a regulatory burden on EU producers led to large-scale protests across France and Europe, News.Az reports, citing Reuters.

Weather-hit harvests and outbreaks of livestock disease along with political deadlock after a snap election at the start of summer have added to the grievances among French farmers, triggering renewed protests locally in recent weeks.

The FNSEA union will hold nationwide protests from mid-November, with the date and type of action to be decided subsequently, its president, Arnaud Rousseau, told reporters.

"The new factor and trigger is the renewed incoherency at European level, as shown by a barely disguised explanation that we are going to end up signing the Mercosur deal," he said.

Actions in the last major round of protests, in January and February, included blocking roads with tractors and blazing bales of hay.

Sources told Reuters in September negotiations seemed to be on course for a positive conclusion of the trade talks before the end of the year, and Mercosur member Brazil has said it is ready to sign an agreement in November when it hosts a meeting of major economies.

French farmers fear a accord with the South American bloc will lead to a influx of cheaper agricultural goods that do not meet EU production standards. French President Emmanuel Macron has repeatedly opposed concluding a trade deal.

News.Az