France's leading farming unions, the Jeunes Agriculteurs and the FNSEA, have called for a suspension of blockades in Paris and other cities. This follows the government's decision to tighten control on food imports. The unions had previously orchestrated blockades at all major entrances to Paris.
“We have decided that at present, given everything that has been announced ... we need to change our methods of action, and so we are calling on our networks ... to suspend the blockades and embark on a new form of mobilisation,” said Arnaud Gaillot, head of the Jeunes Agriculteurs (Young Farmers) union, alongside Arnaud Rousseau, the FNSEA boss.
The suspension comes after Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announced measures to protect French farmers from "unfair competition" by increasing self-reliance in food production and implementing stricter import controls.
Attal also revealed plans to ban imports of fruit and vegetables treated with the pesticide thiacloprid, a chemical implicated in bee population decline and banned in France since 2018. The government plans to halt the imposition of stricter environmental regulations than those required by the EU. Attal also dismissed a potential trade deal with South American countries over fears it would undercut local farmers.
FNSEA boss, Arnaud Rousseau, said that while some progress has been made, there are still issues that need clarification. He welcomed Attal's commitment to agricultural self-sufficiency and sovereignty.
Rousseau also criticized the EU's technocratic approach and "decisions taken from afar that do not respect the work of farmers". He urged European leaders to protect the interests of those dedicated to advancing agriculture.
Source: france24.com