France's main farmers' union, FNSEA, has announced plans for nationwide protests starting in mid-November due to concerns over a potential trade deal between the European Union and Mercosur countries.
The union's president, Arnaud Rousseau, expressed worries about competition from cheaper imports and regulatory burdens that have worsened the farming crisis.
The protests are driven by frustrations over weather-impacted harvests, livestock disease outbreaks, and political stagnation following a snap election.
Farmers are apprehensive that an agreement with Mercosur could result in an influx of agricultural products that do not meet EU standards.
Negotiations for the trade deal are progressing, and Brazil has indicated its readiness to sign an agreement during an upcoming meeting of major economies in November.
French President Emmanuel Macron has consistently opposed finalizing the trade deal, reflecting the tensions within the agricultural sector.