In 2025, France witnessed a resurgence of large-scale protests by farmers, marking one of the most significant waves of agricultural unrest in recent European history. The demonstrations, characterized by tractor blockades, highway occupations, and symbolic acts of civil disobedience, were driven by a confluence of economic pressures, regulatory burdens, and opposition to international trade agreements—particularly the controversial EU-Mercosur deal. This report examines the root causes of the protests, the key events of 2025, the government’s response, and the broader implications for French agriculture and EU trade policy.

The Roots of the Crisis: Economic and Regulatory Pressures

The protests of 2025 were not an isolated event but the culmination of years of mounting frustration among French farmers. Several core issues fueled the unrest:

Declining Incomes and Rising Costs: French farmers, particularly those in the livestock, dairy, and grain sectors, have faced stagnant or falling incomes while production costs—such as fuel, fertilizer, and feed—have surged. Many farmers report working longer hours for less profit, with a growing number living below the poverty line. The situation is exacerbated by volatile global commodity prices and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine war, which disrupted supply chains and inflated input costs.
Regulatory Burdens: Farmers have long criticized the complexity and stringency of EU and French environmental regulations, which they argue impose disproportionate administrative and financial burdens. Key grievances include mandatory fallow land requirements (such as the 4% rule), restrictions on pesticide use, and bureaucratic hurdles in accessing subsidies. Many farmers feel these regulations are designed without sufficient consideration for the practical realities of agriculture, particularly for small and medium-sized operations.
Trade Liberalization Threats: The proposed EU-Mercosur free trade agreement has emerged as a lightning rod for farmer anger. Critics argue that the deal would flood the European market with cheaper agricultural imports from South America—where production costs and environmental standards are lower—undermining the competitiveness of French producers. The agreement, which includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, is seen as a direct threat to sectors like beef, poultry, sugar, and wine, where French farmers already face stiff competition.
Generational Decline: The aging farmer population and the declining appeal of agriculture as a profession have added to the sense of crisis. Younger generations are increasingly reluctant to enter farming due to financial instability, heavy debt loads, and the physical and emotional toll of the profession. This demographic shift raises concerns about the long-term viability of French agriculture and food sovereignty.
Government Inaction: Despite previous concessions, such as the reversal of diesel tax hikes and temporary pauses on pesticide restrictions, many farmers view the government’s response as inadequate. Promises of financial aid and regulatory relief have often been slow to materialize or failed to address systemic issues, leading to a pervasive sense of abandonment.

Key Events of 2025: A Timeline of Protests

The protests of 2025 unfolded in waves, with major actions concentrated in the spring and early autumn. Below is a timeline of the most significant events:

May 2025: Nationwide Mobilization and Parliamentary Showdown

On May 26, 2025, hundreds of farmers converged on Paris, parking their tractors outside the National Assembly to protest a controversial agriculture bill under debate in parliament. The bill, intended to ease regulatory pressures on farmers, became a flashpoint for broader discontent. Farmers argued that the proposed legislation did not go far enough in addressing their economic struggles or the threat posed by the EU-Mercosur deal. The protest was largely peaceful, with farmers gathering to voice their demands while lawmakers clashed over the bill’s provisions. The FNSEA (Fédération Nationale des Syndicats d’Exploitants Agricoles), France’s largest farming union, played a central role in organizing the action, emphasizing the need for “food sovereignty” and fair competition.

The parliamentary debate itself was contentious. Centrist, conservative, and far-right lawmakers moved to bypass standard procedures, advancing the bill to a joint committee dominated by pro-farmer representatives. This maneuver sparked outrage among left-wing parties, which accused the government of sidelining environmental and labor protections. The left responded by announcing a no-confidence motion, further polarizing the political landscape.

September 2025: Renewed Blockades and the Mercosur Focus

In September 2025, the FNSEA called for a “great day of action” on September 26, urging farmers across all 65 French departments to participate. The protest targeted the EU-Mercosur trade deal, which farmers feared would devastate local agriculture by allowing an influx of cheaper, less-regulated imports. Tractor blockades were staged on major highways, including the A1 near Lille and the A16 near Beauvais, as well as symbolic protests outside government buildings and tourist sites like the Château de Versailles. The FNSEA’s president, Arnaud Rousseau, framed the action as a defense of France’s agricultural future, stating, “We are not against trade, but we refuse to be sacrificed for agreements that do not respect our standards.”

The September protests coincided with broader labor strikes in France, amplifying the pressure on the government. Farmers also used the moment to highlight the mental health crisis in the sector, with reports of rising suicide rates and burnout among agricultural workers. The government, led by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, faced criticism for its perceived inability to balance farmer demands with environmental and trade obligations.

Ongoing Actions: Roadblocks, Symbolic Gestures, and EU-Wide Solidarity

Throughout 2025, farmers employed a variety of tactics to sustain pressure on policymakers:

Highway Blockades: Tractors were used to block key arteries, including the A64 in Occitania and the A7 in the Rhône Valley, causing significant disruptions to traffic and supply chains. These actions were often coordinated with regional unions and aligned with similar protests in neighboring countries, such as Spain and Italy.
Symbolic Protests: Farmers engaged in attention-grabbing acts, such as dumping manure outside government offices, flipping road signs upside down, and displaying banners with slogans like “Those who feed you are dying of hunger.” These gestures aimed to highlight the absurdity of agricultural policies and the plight of farmers.
EU-Wide Coordination: French farmers joined forces with counterparts in Belgium, Germany, and Spain to oppose the EU-Mercosur deal. In November 2024, joint blockades were staged along the French-Spanish border, signaling a pan-European movement against trade liberalization.
Targeted Pressure: Protests were directed at supermarkets, prefectures, and EU institutions, with farmers demanding stricter controls on imported food products and an end to what they perceive as unfair competition.

The EU-Mercosur Deal: A Flashpoint for Farmer Anger

The EU-Mercosur trade agreement, finalized in late 2024 but requiring ratification by member states, has become the most contentious issue for French farmers. The deal aims to create a vast free trade area between the EU and four South American nations (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay), gradually eliminating tariffs on most goods—except for certain agricultural products subject to quotas. Proponents argue that the agreement will open new markets for European exporters and strengthen economic ties. However, French farmers and their allies vehemently oppose the deal, citing several concerns:

Unfair Competition: Mercosur countries have lower labor costs, less stringent environmental regulations, and fewer restrictions on pesticide use. French farmers argue that this creates an uneven playing field, allowing South American producers to undercut European prices—particularly in beef, poultry, sugar, and ethanol.
Threat to Food Sovereignty: Critics warn that increased imports could destabilize domestic production, making France and the EU more dependent on foreign food supplies. This is seen as a direct threat to the EU’s strategic autonomy and its ability to feed its population during crises.
Environmental and Health Risks: The deal has drawn opposition from environmental groups, who argue that it could accelerate deforestation in the Amazon and undermine EU standards on food safety and animal welfare. French farmers, particularly those in organic and small-scale sectors, fear being squeezed out by industrial-scale Mercosur exports.
Political Betrayal: Many farmers feel betrayed by the European Commission’s push for the deal, which they view as prioritizing corporate interests over those of rural communities. The French government, while publicly critical of the agreement, has faced accusations of failing to block it decisively.

The French Agriculture Minister, Annie Genevard, has vowed to oppose the deal unless stricter safeguards are implemented. However, the government’s stance has been complicated by internal divisions and the need to balance agricultural interests with broader EU trade priorities. The ratification process remains uncertain, with France and other skeptical member states (such as Ireland and Austria) pushing for revisions or additional protections.

Government Response: Concessions and Criticisms

Facing sustained pressure, the French government has rolled out a series of measures aimed at placating farmers. These include:

Financial Aid: Emergency funds have been allocated to support farmers affected by floods, disease outbreaks, and market volatility. However, many farmers argue that these payments are insufficient and fail to address structural issues.
Regulatory Relief: The government has temporarily paused or delayed certain environmental regulations, such as pesticide restrictions and fallow land requirements. While welcomed by some, these moves have drawn criticism from environmental groups and left-wing parties, who accuse the government of backsliding on green commitments.
Trade Protections: Efforts have been made to strengthen controls on imported agricultural products, particularly those from Mercosur nations. The government has also sought to rally EU partners to form a blocking minority against the trade deal, though success remains elusive.
Dialogue Initiatives: Prime Minister Lecornu and other officials have engaged in direct negotiations with farming unions, though these talks have often been tense. Farmers demand concrete, long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes.

Despite these efforts, many farmers remain dissatisfied. The FNSEA and other unions have dismissed the government’s concessions as “cosmetic,” insisting that deeper reforms are needed to ensure the survival of French agriculture. The protests have also exposed divisions within the farming community, with smaller, organic producers often at odds with larger industrial operations over issues like pesticide use and trade policy.

Broader Implications: Agriculture, Politics, and the Future of French Farming

The 2025 protests have far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate demands of farmers. They highlight several critical challenges facing France and the EU:

Political Instability: The protests have become a litmus test for the government’s ability to manage rural discontent, particularly ahead of the 2027 presidential elections. The far-right National Rally and other opposition parties have sought to capitalize on farmer anger, framing the issue as a failure of centrist and green policies.
EU Policy Dilemmas: The Mercosur deal has exposed tensions within the EU over trade liberalization, environmental standards, and agricultural subsidies. France’s opposition reflects broader skepticism in Southern and Western Europe, where farming lobbies wield significant political influence.
Climate and Sustainability: The protests underscore the difficulty of reconciling agricultural productivity with environmental goals. Farmers argue that they are being scapegoated for climate change, while environmentalists counter that industrial agriculture is a major driver of biodiversity loss and pollution.
Food Security: The crisis has reignited debates about food sovereignty and the resilience of European supply chains. With global food systems increasingly vulnerable to shocks, the protests serve as a reminder of the strategic importance of domestic agriculture.
Generational Shift: The aging farmer population and the lack of successors pose a existential threat to rural communities. Without significant reforms, France risks losing a generation of agricultural knowledge and capacity.

The protests have also drawn international attention, with similar movements emerging in Germany, Spain, and Belgium. Farmers across Europe are united in their opposition to trade deals that they believe prioritize corporate profits over rural livelihoods. The EU’s handling of the Mercosur agreement—and its response to farmer protests—will likely set a precedent for future trade negotiations and agricultural policies.

Conclusion

The French farmers’ protests of 2025 represent a watershed moment in the struggle for the future of European agriculture. Driven by economic hardship, regulatory frustration, and opposition to the EU-Mercosur trade deal, the demonstrations have brought rural France to the forefront of national and EU-wide debates. While the government has offered concessions, the core issues—fair remuneration, regulatory balance, and trade equity—remain unresolved. The protests have not only disrupted daily life but also exposed deep fault lines in EU policy, pitting agricultural survival against trade liberalization and environmental ambitions.

As the Mercosur deal hangs in the balance and the French government grapples with farmer demands, the outcome of this crisis will shape the trajectory of European agriculture for decades. The protests serve as a stark reminder that the sustainability of farming is not merely an economic issue but a societal one, touching on food security, environmental stewardship, and the very identity of rural Europe. Without meaningful reform, the risk of further unrest—and the decline of a vital sector—will persist.