French Farmers Continue Protests as Government Doubles Support Fund

Farmers across multiple French regions remain mobilized in ongoing protests demanding economic relief and opposing the Mercosur free trade agreement. Following a demonstration in Paris outside the National Assembly organized by the FNSEA and Young Farmers unions, tractors left the capital early Wednesday after talks with Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard. A delegation discussed measures including cash flow loans and debt restructuring for the hardest-hit farmers, as FNSEA Vice President Luc Smessaert reported.

Despite the Paris clearance by about 6:20 AM, protests persisted nationwide, with blockades on major highways and fuel depots causing traffic disruptions. In Toulouse, several farmers blocked the A64 by dumping tires and straw, leading to five arrests. The Coordination Rurale de Gers also filtered traffic at airport roundabouts and blocked fuel depots despite bans, drawing criticism of governmental inaction.

In response, Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon announced the doubling of the agricultural support fund to 11 million euros during a ministerial meeting, highlighting the commitment to safeguard farmers' incomes. Additionally, efforts to vaccinate 750,000 cattle against contagious nodular dermatitis in the South-West are near completion.

This continuation of protests and government engagement underscores deep economic challenges facing French farmers and the administration's response to sustain the sector amid the tensions.