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French farmers protest in Paris

French farmers used more than 1,550 tractors to block traffic in Paris Thursday. The farmers were protesting falling farm prices especially for dairy and livestock which have many on the brink of bankruptcy. European producers have been hard-hit by Russia’s embargo on Western products, plunging global prices, increased foreign competition and price wars among EU supermarket chains. French farmers say they are also hampered by stricter environmental standards and higher payroll fees for social programs.

The French government provided a $674 million debt relief package for farmers six weeks ago but FNSEA, the largest farm union in the country says that is not enough. The government has promised to announce new measures to help farmers on Tuesday.

Most believe the Paris demonstration is a preview of a European-wide demonstration in Brussels next Monday when EU farm ministers meet to discuss the farm crisis.