January 14, 2026
French farmers, backed by the National Federation of Agricultural Workers’ Unions (FNSEA), one of France’s largest farm unions, have been protesting against the trade deal between the European Union and Mercosur, a South American bloc, which the farmers say could threaten local agriculture and create unfair competition due to cheap imports from South America. While farmers began to leave Paris by 14 January, some farmers drove tractors into Toulouse despite a local ban. While France has rejected the trade deal, most EU members countries have approved it. The deal would also require an approval by the European Parliament. Union leaders have stated that the protests are meant to pressure the French government to continue talks against the deal.