It’s the meeting of European agriculture ministers that has mobilised many farmers. Hundreds of tractors are expected in Brussel. The farmers plan to head for Schuman Circus where European agriculture ministers meet to look at measures to address farmers' concerns.
Ministers will consider a number of European Commission ideas to ease the administrative burden on farmers. There’s a proposal to reduce checks on farms by up to half. That should allow the farmers to focus more on their work.
Farmers are still concerned that they are not being listened to. They are calling for the strict European rules of the Nature Restoration Directive to be reviewed and for farmers to be paid a fair price.
EU - Mercosur agreement triggers concern
One of the reasons for the farmers' protest is the European trade agreement with Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, the South American Mercosur countries. That agreement, farmers say, creates unfair competition.
The agreement makes it easier for Europe to export cars, chemicals, medicines and machinery to South American countries. In return, Europe levies lower taxes and sometimes even zero tariffs on beef, poultry and sugar from these countries.
Farmers' fears are that too much beef and poultry will be imported, creating fierce competition for farmers here. Farmers also question whether workers can adequately unionise in the countries concerned.
As a result the farmers are demanding an end to the trade agreement with South America.