Two of France’s major farmers’ unions have decided to lift nationwide protests following the introduction of new governmental measures aimed at safeguarding their livelihoods.
These measures, announced by Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, have been acknowledged by the unions as a step forward in addressing their concerns, which include low earnings, burdensome regulations, and competition from imports that they consider unfair.
The FNSEA and Young Farmers Union, leading voices in the protest, have agreed to suspend the blockades while committing to monitor the implementation of these measures closely. Thousands of French farmers have joined in demonstrations around the country over the past couple of weeks. Others from across Europe have also joined in, extending the demonstration to the European Union headquarters in Brussels.
However, following Attal’s announcement, some farmer activists have chosen to continue their demonstrations, particularly around Paris, demanding to see these commitments formalized in writing.
“We don’t want to hear words of love. What we want is proof of love,” Thierry Desforges, a farm union member at the Chilly-Mazarin blockade, told the Associated Press.
In response to these protests, Attal unveiled a comprehensive package including financial aid, tax relief, and a significant stance on pesticide use. Notably, the measures promise not to ban pesticides in France that are allowed elsewhere in Europe, aiming to level the playing field for French farmers.
Furthermore, Attal announced an immediate ban on imports from non-EU countries that use pesticides banned within the EU, marking a direct action against what is perceived as unfair competition.
Among the key initiatives is the proposal for a “European control force” to ensure compliance with health and safety standards for imported food products, addressing concerns about unfair competition and health risks.
The government’s package also includes 150 million euros ($162 million) in financial support for livestock farmers, lower taxes to facilitate the transfer of farms across generations, and measures to enforce fair pricing laws for agricultural products.
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