Farmers Block Access To France’s Bordeaux Port To Protest Against EU-Mercosur Trade Deal

French farmers have intensified their protests against the proposed EU-Mercosur trade deal, blocking access to the commercial port of Bordeaux since late Wednesday.

The protests, led by the Coordination Rurale (CR) union, aim to draw the government’s attention to the perceived threat the deal poses to rural livelihoods.

Protesters used tractors and trailers to block all roads leading to the port, dumping tyres and waste to disrupt operations.

Per the local CR representative Karine Duc, the farmers are frustrated with grain imports and other agricultural products that do not meet European standards and are concerned about unfair competition.

By Friday morning, the blockade at Bordeaux, France’s seventh-largest port for goods traffic, ended after disrupting operations for two days.

Around 150 farmers and 50 tractors participated in the protest. However, protests continue in other regions, including the Aldi distribution centre in Saint-Sulpice-la-Pointe and the Carrefour centre in Colomiers near Toulouse.

Farmers have also blocked other key locations, like the Leclerc purchasing centre in Beychac-et-Caillau. Protesters at these sites demand the government take action against what they call “abusive margins” by major retailers.

BLOCAGE DU PORT DE BORDEAUX
La Coordination Rurale sur le terrain #CoordinationRurale #AgriculteursEnColère #AgricultureEnDanger #CriseAgricole #AgricultureFrançaise #UrgenceAgricole #CR #bonsenspaysan #levoteutile #NONauMERCOSUR #CR47 pic.twitter.com/AiViGlpgeH

— Coordination Rurale (@coordinationrur) November 21, 2024

Image Credits: Coordination Rurale/X

Union representatives said protests would continue until they receive a written commitment addressing their grievances.

The EU-Mercosur free trade agreement, under negotiation since 2000, has sparked renewed anger among French farmers after discussions at the G20 summit in Brazil on November 18-19.

The proposed deal aims to reduce tariffs on agricultural products, making it easier for Mercosur countries like Brazil and Argentina to export meat, sugar, and other goods to the EU.

French farmers believe the deal would undermine their livelihoods by allowing imports of South American products that do not comply with EU regulations.

A spokesperson for the local prefecture in Bordeaux confirmed that while discussions with protesters were ongoing, port operations were not majorly affected as of Thursday.

Prime Minister of France, Michel Barnier, recently called for a parliamentary discussion on the trade deal, but farmers remain sceptical about the government’s decision.

Farmers plan for protests at state institutions and government buildings starting November 25, with roadblocks expected in Toulouse and other regions.

French farmers have faced several challenges, including poor harvests, livestock diseases, and delayed support measures.

The Coordination Rurale union has urged people to join the protests, even by car or van, as they expand their campaign against the trade agreement and retail margins.

References: Reuters, Transinfo