Agricultural trade unions in central France to block Paris area: Farmers group

By Nur Asena Erturk

Agricultural trade unions in central France are planning to block the Paris area Friday to demand a list of concessions for farmers, according to media reports Thursday.

The Departmental Federation of Farm Operators' Unions (FDSEA) in the Ile-de-France region announced it will block the entries and exits of the area, said the BFMTV broadcaster.

The General Confederation Labor (CGT) trade union urged members to support farmers wherever they are.

Prime Minister Gabriel Attal is expected to announce agricultural measures Friday, according to media outlets.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a "strategic dialogue on the future of agriculture” to find a balance between food security, sustainable agriculture and elevating "the standard of living for farmers.”

Farmers are demanding better wages, simplified administration, no new bans on pesticides, an end to tractor fuel price hikes and better compensation after disasters.

They also are contesting tax hikes and rising pressure of EU regulations.

Protests began last week as demonstrators blocked highways in southwestern France.

Other European countries, including Germany and Romania, were jolted in recent weeks by protests from farmers who have criticized EU regulations, including the Green Deal and the Common Agricultural Policy.

The EU’s Green Deal program, announced in 2019, aims to achieve climate neutrality and zero carbon emissions in the EU by 2050.