PARIS — French agricultural workers took to the streets on Tuesday to voice their opposition to a trade agreement that aims to boost agricultural imports from South America, arguing that it threatens their livelihoods.
The initial framework of the trade deal between the European Union and the Mercosur bloc, which includes Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia, was established in 2019. However, talks have faced significant delays and pushback from farmers and various European governments. During these protests, farmers highlighted their concerns particularly regarding the use of pesticides in South American agricultural products.
The demonstration, which took place in Aurillac in southern France, marks the beginning of a renewed wave of protests anticipated within the European agriculture sector. A growing fear exists that the deal may move towards finalization during the G20 summit scheduled for November 18-19 in Brazil. Nonetheless, French Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard has noted that this scenario is “highly unlikely.”
Adding their voices to the protests, over 600 French lawmakers released an open letter in Le Monde, addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, insisting that the prerequisites for a deal with the Mercosur bloc have yet to be satisfied.
Last week, demonstrators blocked a government building in Niort, a town in western France. Concurrently, on Monday, the Copa-Cogeca, a group representing European farmers, sent a letter to von der Leyen, advocating for the rejection of the Mercosur trade deal and calling for a “coherent trade policy.”
France’s largest farming union, FNSEA, has announced plans for nationwide protests following the conclusion of the winter sowing season in mid-November. Additionally, Coordination Rurale has promised an “agricultural revolt” commencing on November 19 in Auch and Agen, while the Confédération Paysanne, recognized for its anti-globalization stance, is preparing to protest against “free trade agreements.”
Moreover, farmers in Belgium are also gearing up for demonstrations outside the EU’s headquarters in Brussels on Wednesday.
The concerns expressed by European farmers derive from their perception that the stringent environmental regulations imposed by the EU are unfair, especially in contrast to what they see as lower environmental and labor standards in the production practices of South American nations. Véronique Le Floc’h, president of Coordination Rurale, stated that if the Mercosur deal is signed, it could endanger the future of their agriculture.
Le Floc’h articulated the frustrations felt among farmers: “The anger hasn’t gone away. It’s still there, and, in fact, our worries have grown. If the Mercosur agreement is signed, it will spell the end of our agriculture.”
Minister Genevard reiterated the government’s stance against the deal, calling it detrimental. In a recent interview with TF1, she expressed concern that the agreement would allow imports of products that include banned substances in Europe and could encourage deforestation while posing unfair competition to local production.
Despite this, Le Floc’h remained skeptical about the government’s position. “When the minister says the agreement won’t be signed, she’s either naive or thinks we are,” she remarked, questioning the credibility of assurances amid evident support from multiple countries for the deal.
In March, President Emmanuel Macron referred to the agreement as “terrible” and “outdated,” pointing out that negotiations that began in June 1999 have faced numerous challenges and delays. Macron insists that he will not back any deal until South American producers comply with the same environmental and health standards that European farmers adhere to.