French Farmers Protest Mercosur Deal, Demand Action Against Non-Compliant Imports

September 14, 2025
French Farmers Protest Mercosur Deal, Demand Action Against Non-Compliant Imports
  • A major protest organized by FNSEA, France's leading agricultural union, is taking place to oppose the Mercosur trade agreement with the European Union, US tariffs, and the influx of international imports that do not meet French standards.

  • Arnaud Rousseau, head of FNSEA, has voiced strong opposition to the trade deal, highlighting concerns about its potential negative impact on French agriculture.

  • The protest, which is part of a broader wave of farmer demonstrations, is scheduled ahead of an inter-union rally on September 18, 2025, and follows earlier protests on September 10.

  • The demonstration is organized in collaboration with Jeunes Agriculteurs (Young Farmers) and may include actions like supermarket visits to expose non-compliant imported products.

  • FNSEA is seeking a meeting with the new French Prime Minister, Laurent Lecornu, to discuss agricultural concerns amid ongoing trade disputes.

  • The French government, led by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, faces mounting pressure from farmers protesting trade policies, with FNSEA's mobilization representing a significant expression of discontent.

  • FNSEA has chosen not to participate in the September 10 protests or the upcoming nationwide strike on September 18, citing farmers' seasonal work commitments and a desire to avoid political manipulation.

  • Looking ahead, FNSEA has called for a 'big day of action' on September 25, 2025, to rally nationwide against international trade policies harming French agriculture.

  • The union criticizes imports like Ukrainian eggs for health and environmental reasons and plans supermarket visits to identify products that do not meet French standards.

  • These protests highlight ongoing tensions in French agriculture over international trade agreements and their adverse effects on domestic farmers.

  • Rousseau has also criticized the government, especially Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, for lacking a clear strategy to ensure food sovereignty and support farmers amid current challenges.

Summary based on 5 sources


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