French farmers took to the streets Tuesday to voice their opposition to the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, warning that increased imports from South America would jeopardize their livelihoods.

The deal, initially agreed upon in 2019 between the European Union and the Mercosur bloc—comprising Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia—has faced repeated obstacles, particularly due to concerns over environmental and food safety standards. Farmers argue that South American produce does not adhere to the strict regulations imposed on European agriculture, creating unfair competition.

Tuesday’s demonstration in Aurillac, southern France, marked the beginning of a new wave of protests expected to gain momentum across Europe. Many in the agricultural sector fear the agreement could be finalized at the G20 summit in Brazil on Nov. 18-19, despite French Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard stating it was “highly unlikely.”

Opposition to the deal is not limited to the farming community. More than 600 French lawmakers signed an open letter in Le Monde addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, arguing that the conditions for approving the agreement “have not been met.”

Growing Protest Movement

Farmers have already been stepping up their actions. Last week, demonstrators blocked a government building in Niort, while on Monday, Copa-Cogeca, the European farmers’ association, urged von der Leyen in a formal letter to reject the Mercosur agreement in favor of a “coherent trade policy.”

France’s largest farming unions have pledged further demonstrations:

• FNSEA, the country’s biggest agricultural union, has called for nationwide protests after winter sowing ends in mid-November.
• Coordination Rurale has announced an “agricultural revolt” starting Nov. 19 in the southwestern cities of Auch and Agen.
• Confédération Paysanne, known for its anti-globalization stance, is also preparing mobilizations against free trade agreements.

Farmers in Belgium are set to hold their own demonstration near the EU headquarters in Brussels on Wednesday.

Fears of Unfair Competition

Many European farmers believe they are being put at a disadvantage by EU regulations while South American imports operate under looser environmental and labor standards. Véronique Le Floc’h, president of Coordination Rurale, warned that ratifying the Mercosur agreement would devastate French agriculture.

“The anger hasn’t disappeared—it’s only grown,” Le Floc’h said, adding that if the deal is approved, “it will mean the end of our farming industry.”

Government Stance and Skepticism

Agriculture Minister Genevard reaffirmed France’s opposition to the trade agreement on Tuesday, stating in an interview with TF1:

“We do not want this deal—it’s harmful. It would allow products containing substances banned in Europe to flood our markets, contributing to deforestation and undercutting our own farmers.”

However, Le Floc’h remained unconvinced, questioning whether the government’s reassurances were genuine.

“When the minister says the deal won’t be signed, she’s either naive or thinks we are,” she said. “Why should we believe her when so many countries support it?”

President Emmanuel Macron has previously criticized the agreement, calling it “terrible” and “outdated.” His administration has maintained that France will not support the deal unless South American agricultural products meet the same environmental and health standards as those in Europe.

Although negotiations for the EU-Mercosur trade pact began in 1999, its finalization remains uncertain as resistance from European farmers and governments continues to mount.