French farmers protested Monday targeting the EU-Mercosur trade agreement. Backed by their government, they argue the deal threatens their livelihoods by allowing a surge of South American agricultural imports produced under less stringent environmental standards.

A trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur countries, which includes a significant section on agriculture, has triggered protests from EU farmers who argue farm imports from South America do not meet European standards.

The French government wants to block the free trade agreement between the European Union and five South American countries. Meanwhile, farmers have called for nationwide protests starting on Monday.

France’s powerful farming unions are taking to the streets again to seek more government support and rally against a European Union free trade deal with Latin American producers seen allowing in cheaper goods.

President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Michel Barnier spoke out against the trade treaty with South American countries. But they failed to calm the anger of farmers.

French farmers stepped up their protests Tuesday against a proposed trade pact between the European Union and four South American countries, blocking a key motorway on the border with Spain

French farmers planned on Tuesday to step up their protests against a proposed trade pact between the European Union and four South American countries, saying it threatens their livelihoods.Farmers fear any agreement would open European Union markets to cheaper meat and produce from South American competitors,