French Farmers Protest Government Cattle-Culling Policy Amid Trade Concerns

French farmers have been actively protesting across the country against the government's cattle-culling policy aimed at controlling the spread of lumpy skin disease, also known as nodular dermatitis. The protests have intensified, particularly along the A64 motorway near Toulouse, where farmers have used tractors and makeshift barricades to disrupt traffic. Demonstrators have also gathered outside President Emmanuel Macron's residence in Le Touquet, symbolically placing a coffin marked "RIP Agri" and "NO Mercosur" to express their discontent.

French farmers rebel over disease policy and trade concerns

The French government has implemented measures that include the culling of cattle herds in affected areas, which many farmers argue are excessive and detrimental to their livelihoods. In response to the outbreak, the government has deployed military logistics to support a large-scale vaccination campaign, planning to inoculate up to one million cattle alongside targeted culls. Farmers have expressed frustration not only over the disease control measures but also over broader agricultural policies, citing a perceived long-term decline in French agriculture due to rising costs, higher taxes, and strict regulations.

French farmers rebel over disease policy and trade concerns

In addition to the cattle disease measures, farmers are voicing strong opposition to the proposed EU-Mercosur trade deal, which they believe threatens domestic agriculture by allowing cheaper South American imports into the European market. The European Commission's approval of this deal has been delayed until at least mid-January due to political pressure from France, Belgium, and other EU countries. Farmers fear that the deal could exacerbate competition and price pressures, particularly from lower-welfare South American beef and poultry.

French farmers rebel over disease policy and trade concerns

Following a meeting with farming union leaders, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu acknowledged the farmers' concerns and promised a more detailed response regarding lumpy skin disease and broader agricultural issues in early January. The FNSEA, France's largest farming union, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "Farmers are at their wits’ end and can no longer wait. If we want to produce and make a living from our work, now is the time to act by providing immediate answers to our demands."

French farmers rebel over disease policy and trade concerns

While the government has called for a "Christmas truce" to prevent further blockades, protests continue in various regions, indicating ongoing tensions between farmers and the government. The extent of the protests and the specific demands of the farmers may vary, reflecting a complex landscape of agricultural policy and trade negotiations.

French farmers rebel over disease policy and trade concerns

• “Farmers are at their wits’ end and can no longer wait.” — FNSEA, France’s largest farming union

French farmers rebel over disease policy and trade concerns

• “Urgent demands Following the meeting, the FNSEA, France’s largest farming union, said in a statement: “We demand a clear direction for French and European agriculture, concrete actions on farms, and decisions consistent with food sovereignty.” — FNSEA, France’s largest farming union

French farmers rebel over disease policy and trade concerns