Farmers call Paris protest against EU-Mercosur free-trade deal

Agricultural producers in France have called a protest next month in rejection of the sweeping free-trade deal between the European Union and the South American Mercosur trade bloc.

The Confédération Paysanne agricultural union, the third=largest in France, on Tuesday urged farmers to demonstrate with tractors in Paris on October 14 to "stop" the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement.

The European Commission submitted the draft deal to the 27 EU member states and the European Parliament in early September for eventual approval, promising "solid" guarantees for farmers.

In France, however, farmers fear the market will be flooded with Latin American beef, rice and sugar. They have lashed out at the decision, with the country’s main union, FNSEA, already having called "decentralised" protests for Friday.

"It is time for mass mobilisation to stop all free trade agreements," the Confédération Paysanne said in a statement, timing its October demonstration to coincide with the trial of two of its members.

The European Commission expects ratification of the agreement with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay by the end of 2025, during Brazil’s pro-tempore presidency of Mercosur.

France has long reiterated its opposition to the proposed treaty, arguing it poses a threat to its cattle, poultry, sugar and biofuels production, while demanding additional protection measures.

To reassure the French government, the Commission pledged to supplement the deal with a "legal text" that would strengthen safeguard measures for "sensitive European products."

The Mercosur agreement has strong backers in Europe, such as Germany, which is seeking new markets for its companies, particularly since Donald Trump’s return to the White House and the imposition of tariffs.

– TIMES/AFP