The farmer, who using a tractor, dumped a load of potatoes on Brussels' historic market square to protest against the trade agreement with the Mercosur nations of South America settlement has been offered a plea bargain settlement by the Brussels public prosecutor's office. A fundraising campaign set up by farmers to support their colleague has already raised more than €25,000.
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Farmer dumps load of potatoes on Brussels' market square in protest against EU-Mercosur agreement (VIDEO)
Colin Clapson
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After the incident on Saturday the farmer was taken to a police station. The police recorded several offences. The tractor driver will now receive a mediation proposal to ensure he pays for the damage and costs he engendered.
Spontaneously, farmers organised a campaign to raise money for the man to cover the financial costs of his protest. This fund has already exceeded 25,000 euros.
In recent days and in various places across Europe, farmers have been protesting against the free trade agreement that the European Union has concluded with the Mercosur countries of South America. They fear that the agreement will cause unfair competition.
In France, farmers staged filter blockades on one of the busiest motorways in the country in the Pas-de-Calais department. It is one of the most important links between Paris and the ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam.
Farmers are pulling trucks over and checking their loads, but cars are allowed to pass. The farmers plan to continue their action for several days.
