French farmers brought tractors through Paris today for the second time in a week to protest against the EU-Mercosur trade deal, which they say threatens local agriculture by creating unfair competition with cheaper imports from South America. Farmers in France, the largest producer of agricultural products in the European Union, and other member states have been protesting for months over the EU-Mercosur deal and numerous other local issues.

French farmers hold a banner that reads “The peasant revolt starts again in Versailles!”

Today’s demonstration has been organised by the FNSEA, one of France’s largest agricultural unions.

“The Mercosur agreement was approved even though the European Parliament was not given the floor. It will lead to imports of foreign goods that we can produce in France and which do not respect standards that are imposed on French agriculture,” said Damian Grefain, vice-president of the FNSEA and a farmer in the Paris region.

Grefain said the farmers will demonstrate today in front of the French parliament and also plan to demonstrate on January 20 in front of the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Friday’s approval of the Mercosur deal by most EU member states, despite France’s rejection of it, has intensified pressure on the government from farmers and opposition parties, some of which have tabled motions of censure.

Another farmers’ union, the Rural Coordination, has already brought tractors under the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe last Thursday in a surprise demonstration.