French Farmers Intensify Protests Against Trade Deal

French farmers are intensifying protests against the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, arguing it threatens their livelihoods by allowing a surge of agricultural imports from South America with less stringent environmental standards. The Coordination Rurale union has taken drastic actions, such as dumping Spanish wine and blocking official buildings, as part of their opposition. Protests have seen highways blocked with tractors, particularly near Paris, with threats to disrupt food supply chains if immediate measures are not announced. The FNSEA and Young Farmers unions are leading the protests, with President Emmanuel Macron expressing opposition to the deal and aligning with other EU countries like Italy and Poland. French Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard has also voiced concerns as tensions rise ahead of a potential finalization of the agreement. EU farm ministers are meeting in Brussels to discuss the issue.