Hundreds of French farmers protested in Paris on May 26, 2025, calling on the government to approve legislation that would ease current environmental regulations they say are harming the agricultural sector.

Demonstrators gathered near the National Assembly, bringing tractors, signs, and bales of hay to the city center as they demanded passage of a bill aimed at reducing regulatory burdens on farming operations. The protest was organized by several farming unions, including the powerful FNSEA (National Federation of Agricultural Holders’ Unions).

Farmers Call for Policy Reform

Protesters say current environmental rules related to pesticide use, water restrictions, and land management are making it difficult to maintain competitive agricultural production. They argue that farmers are being unfairly penalized under climate and biodiversity goals that are too restrictive.

“We are not polluters, we are providers,” one farmer told local media. “We feed the nation and deserve respect, not regulations that kill our farms.”

Government Under Pressure

The proposed legislation, supported by some conservative and centrist lawmakers, aims to ease environmental compliance requirements and delay enforcement of certain EU-related green policies.

The French government has not yet taken a formal position on the bill. Environmental groups have strongly opposed the proposal, warning it would weaken protections for soil, water, and ecosystems.

Tension Between Agriculture and Climate Goals

The protest highlights ongoing tension in France between the country’s climate commitments and its need to support domestic food producers. Farmers have been particularly vocal about high operating costs and increased competition from international markets that do not face similar environmental constraints.

Recent protests have also emerged in other EU countries, including Germany and the Netherlands, where farmers are pushing back against green reforms they view as economically damaging.

Next Steps

French lawmakers are expected to debate the bill in the coming weeks. The outcome could affect not only national agricultural policy but also France’s broader stance on EU environmental regulations.

Farmers’ unions say they will continue demonstrating until their concerns are addressed. No major disruptions or incidents were reported during the protest in Paris.

Source; Al Jazeera