French producers speak out against trade agreement with Mercosur

Published Nov 13, 2024

Tridge summary

French farmers have protested against the 2019 European Union-Mercosur trade deal, which they believe could threaten their livelihoods due to increased agricultural imports from South America. The deal has faced opposition due to concerns about the use of pesticides on South American products. On Tuesday, protests began in Aurillac, marking the start of a new wave of demonstrations. Despite the agricultural minister's belief that ratification is unlikely, over 600 French lawmakers have expressed that the conditions for the agreement have not been met. Additionally, the Copa-Cogeca organization, which represents European farmers, has urged the European Commission president to reject the pact.

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Original content

French farmers demonstrated Tuesday against a trade deal between the European Union and the Mercosur bloc that could increase agricultural imports from South America, arguing it would put their livelihoods at risk, the Associated Press reported. The initial pact, reached in 2019 between the EU and Mercosur - made up of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Bolivia - has faced a rocky road due to opposition from farmers and several European governments. Criticism focuses especially on the use of pesticides on South American products. Tuesday's demonstration in Aurillac, southern France, marks the start of a new wave of protests by the European farming community, which fears the possible termination of the agreement during the G20 summit in Brazil, scheduled for November 18 and 19. Despite this, French Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard said ratification of the treaty is "highly unlikely." In parallel, more than 600 French lawmakers published a letter in the daily Le Monde, ...

Source: Chacra Magazine