Protests around Europe over falling incomes have affected a number of countries. Below are notable cases:
France:
Recent weeks have seen extensive protests by farmers across France over falling incomes due to on-going weakness in agricultural markets particularly dairy and pig meat.
- About 250 farmers from the French Farmers’ Union FDSEA have blockaded a Leclerc distribution centre from Monday to Thursday. The blockade was lifted yesterday after famers have obtained a minimum buying-in price for milk. Article (in French)
- French farmers protested with several hundreds of tractors in Rennes on 17 February - a battle of dairy farmers against the weak political answer to the dairy crisis.
- French farmers are opposing the measures of their government and say "No" to the strategy of the French farmers´ association FNSEA. Article of 18 February (in French)
- The French government has announced to reduce social security fees for farmers. It wants the demonstrations to stop. But these measures will not help to stabilize the dairy market. It needs some instrument to reduce the volume in times of crisis. Article of 17 February (in French)
- On February 15, French farmers have protestet in Calvados (Normandy) showing their anger regarding the bad situation in the dairy sector.
Germany:
- On 15th February dairy farmers from Swabia showed that the political strategy of Angela Merkel & Co. stinks.
Portugal:
- Also in Portugal the pressure on farmers is high. In several campaigns they want to raise the awareness of politicians and consumers.
