PARIS (Reuters) -European farmers started protests against the EU-Mercosur free trade deal on Wednesday, saying increased South American imports will hurt the European Union’s agriculture, and the largest French farm union called for nationwide actions from Monday.

The demonstration in the Belgian and EU capital included a march with tractors, crosses and signage with chanting such as ‘Free farmers, stop free trade’.

French farmers have protested against a trade deal that would increase agricultural imports from South America, saying it hurt their livelihoods

Hundreds of farmers gathered in Brussels on Wednesday to protest against a major trade deal between the EU and Mercosur countries, worrying that the influx of cheap products would lead to unfair competition and impact local farmers' livelihoods.

French agricultural organisations are calling for protests against the EU agreement with Mercosur due to threats to European agriculture, reports the Polish Press Agency (PAP). Demonstrations are set to begin on 18th November.

A machine plants soybeans on a farm in a rural area of Sidrolandia, Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil, Oct. 22, 2022.