French farmers to restart 'tractor revolt'

Protests to target rising fuel and feed costs as well as environmental measures

French farmers have announced they will restart their 'tractor revolt' next week in protest at rising fuel and feed costs, as well as environmental measures that they say are threatening their livelihoods.

The protests, which are being organised by the FNSEA farmers' union, are due to begin on Monday, February 6, and will target major cities across France, including Paris.

The farmers are demanding government action to help them cope with the rising costs of production, which they say are making it impossible for many of them to stay in business.

Rising fuel costs

The cost of diesel, which is used to power tractors and other farm machinery, has risen sharply in recent months.

The government has introduced a rebate of 20 cents per litre on fuel for farmers, but the FNSEA says this is not enough to offset the rising costs.

Rising feed costs

The cost of animal feed has also risen sharply, due to a number of factors, including the war in Ukraine and the global Covid-19 pandemic.

The FNSEA says that the government needs to provide more support to farmers to help them cope with the rising costs.

Environmental measures

The French government has introduced a number of environmental measures in recent years, including a ban on the use of certain pesticides and a reduction in the number of animals that farmers can keep.

The FNSEA says that these measures are making it difficult for farmers to produce food in a sustainable way.

Impact on consumers

If the protests are successful in forcing the government to take action, it could lead to higher food prices for consumers.

However, the FNSEA says that the protests are necessary to ensure the future of French agriculture.