French farmers, led by the hard-line union Coordination Rurale, lifted a blockade on the A9 motorway connecting France and Spain after receiving support from Prime Minister Michel Barnier.

The protests were primarily fueled by concerns over the proposed EU-Mercosur trade deal, which farmers fear will adversely affect their livelihoods by establishing the world's largest free-trade zone.

These protests resumed on November 17, 2024, with farmers demanding the reauthorization of the neurotoxic insecticide acetamiprid, which is banned in France but allowed in other EU countries.

Around 200 unionized farmers had blocked access to the Bordeaux port using tractors, aiming to create shortages in French supermarkets to draw attention to their plight.

The Gironde prefecture reported ongoing discussions between state services and the protesters to resolve the blockade situation promptly.

Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard criticized the aggressive protest methods, warning that such tactics could diminish public support for farmers.

The A9 blockade was part of a broader wave of protests, with more demonstrations planned for the following week as farmers continue to voice their grievances.

These renewed protests come just weeks before elections for regional Chambers of Agriculture, where smaller unions aim to challenge the dominance of FNSEA.

Prime Minister Barnier expressed understanding of farmers' frustrations and reiterated France's strong opposition to the EU-Mercosur agreement.

Josée Pérez, a local leader of Coordination Rurale, noted that Barnier acknowledged the farmers' concerns regarding excessive transposition of European regulations into French law.

FNSEA leader Arnaud Rousseau emphasized the importance of non-violent protest methods while maintaining pressure against unacceptable trade agreements.

Barnier's comments during a Senate address indicated a willingness to review European provisions and their application in France, resonating with farmers' requests for regulatory simplification.