French Farmers’ Union Divides Over Blockades Amidst Growing Tensions
Arnaud Rousseau, president of France’s main agricultural union, the FNSEA, distanced himself from the Coordination rurale, a rival union threatening to block key transport routes. Rousseau emphasized a need for farmer solidarity, aiming to garner public support rather than resorting to protests. While acknowledging some progress in negotiations on environmental regulations, he expressed disappointment over slow advancements in crucial areas like farmer income and the overwhelming administrative burden facing the agriculture sector. Rousseau insisted that regions would decide their approaches to blockades, underlining a complex and evolving scenario for French agriculture.