France's largest farming union threatens more protests over EU treaty

"France is already seeing widespread protests and road blockades from farmers - so far, the largest union has not got involved. But that could change if an EU treaty is signed this week. The head of France's largest agricultural union the FNSEA has threatened more protests if the EU's controversial Mercosur trade deal is signed this week. Arnaud Rousseau told France Inter radio on Wednesday that there will be "much larger protests" if the Mercosur deal is signed by the end of the week."

"He added that if the agreement is signed "we will call on our networks to mobilise". "Everyone will decide where they are on the form the mobilisation will take, for example, checking imports of goods in ports and ensuring that public opinion is alerted." France has already seen almost a week of increasingly disruptive protests including blockades of major roads, rolling roadblocks and halted trains - find the latest on travel disruption HERE."

"The FNSEA, which is dominated by cereal farmers, has not been involved in the protests and has stated its support for the government's programme. Instead the demonstrations are led by two smaller unions - Confédération Paysanne and Coordination Rurale - while some local members of the Jeune Agriculteurs union have taken part in blockades, although the union's official line is in support of the government."

France is experiencing widespread farmer protests, including road blockades, rolling roadblocks and halted trains, over government culling of cattle infected with Lumpy Skin Disease. The FNSEA, dominated by cereal farmers, has not participated and supports the government's programme. FNSEA leader Arnaud Rousseau warned of much larger protests and said the union would call on its networks to mobilise if the EU's Mercosur trade deal is signed this week. He suggested tactics such as checking imports in ports and alerting public opinion. Two smaller unions, Confédération Paysanne and Coordination Rurale, are leading demonstrations, with some local Jeune Agriculteurs members joining blockades. The Mercosur treaty has long angered French farmers and fuelled earlier Europe-wide protests.

Read at The Local France