EU Farmers Protest Ag Policies

Dozens of tractors and farmers jammed up highways and traffic crossings throughout Greece this week, protesting soaring production costs.

Also at issue there and in France are changes in European Union trade policy.

French farmers parked next to the Arc de Triomphe to show their concern about the EU’s intention to move forward on a free trade deal with five South American nations: Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay. The farmers at the protest argue the coalition will hurt French producers’ livelihoods.

European farmers fear the deal would flood the market with cheaper imports – triggering protests in multiple countries over concerns over the future of the farming livelihood.

The group Rural Coordination is trying to put pressure on the French government which protesters say has been weak in its opposition to the deal.

For Market to Market, I’m Peter Tubbs

contact: Peter.Tubbs@iowapbs.org