Members of the Coordination Rurale gathered in Limoges on November 19, 2024 to protest against the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur. The Coordination Rurale (CR), the second largest agricultural union, called on its members to demonstrate across France and to travel to Paris by car or tractor starting from Sunday, January 5. The aim is to be in Paris on Sunday afternoon to protest on Monday, according to the spokesperson of the union. In response, the prefectures of Paris and Val-de-Marne have banned any unauthorized gathering in central Paris and the Rungis market area from Sunday 6pm until Monday noon. This was in light of the calls by the agricultural union to “block the capital” and the Rungis national interest market.
A wide area in central Paris, including the Elysee and the National Assembly, as well as the Rungis market and A6B area will be affected by the security measures put in place to prevent any damages or violent actions. Despite some internal contradictions and potential reduced risks of widespread mobilization, the CR remains committed to their plans for the protest, stating that several tractors are already prepared to take action. They are expected to have several hundred farmers present from Sunday onwards. The union expects to highlight their concerns about the impact of the EU-Mercosur trade deal on French agriculture.
The CR president, Véronique Le Floc’h, stated that they are keeping their plans confidential to ensure a successful protest, with designated meeting points in two French departments. The union is dissatisfied with the proposed meeting with Minister François Bayrou on January 13, accusing the government of stalling and lacking a genuine willingness to address their concerns. Other agricultural unions such as FNSEA, Confédération paysanne, and Jeunes Agriculteurs will also meet the government on the same day to discuss urgent matters.
The call to protest by the CR was mainly circulated locally by its regional sections ahead of the official start of the campaign for agricultural chamber elections on January 7. The vote, to be held from January 15 to 31, will determine the new power dynamics among agricultural unions. The CR aims to challenge the dominance of the FNSEA-JA alliance, particularly after gaining visibility through their actions during the last year’s crisis. Their focus is on advocating for the protection of small farmers and ensuring French agricultural interests are not compromised by international trade agreements.
With a history of direct actions, the CR is seeking assurances from the Prime Minister regarding the defense of French agricultural interests. They are specifically calling for an end to unnecessary rules applied at the national level that go beyond EU standards and for stricter controls on imported agricultural products. The union believes these measures are essential to protect the livelihoods of small farmers who they argue are being negatively impacted by free trade agreements. The upcoming meeting with the government will be crucial in determining the outcome of these demands and the future direction of agricultural policies in France.
