France: Farmers block German agri imports with huge tractor cordon

Farmers drove around 40 tractors and other farm vehicles to the French-German border near Phalsbourg, Tuesday, to prevent trucks bringing German produce into France. The protest is just one of many around the country that have come in response to the falling price of agricultural products in France, with many blaming foreign imports, sanctions on Russia and rising supermarket prices. Similar road blocks popped up the day before near Strasbourg, and in the north-eastern Alsace region, as well as on the Spanish border. Large demonstrations have also taken place in cities and towns such as Evreux, Caen and Lyon since last week, with farmers also obstructing supermarkets and government buildings with tyres, shopping trolleys and hay bales. According to the farmers the falling prices of beef, pork and milk are crippling their incomes. The French government has announced that it will support the farmers with a €600 million ($655 mil) aid package, but actions are expected to continue as many feel this is not enough and long term solutions are needed.