France鈥檚 A9 motorway to be blockaded this weekend as farmers protest
The blockade will be part of a major day of action
Farmers are planning further blockades this Friday, just like previous action held nationwide in the past
Alexandros Michailidis/Shutterstock
Drivers in the south of France are warned to expect disruption on the A9 motorway this Friday, September 26, as farmers call for a major day of protest action.
Farming union the FNSEA (la F茅d茅ration nationale des syndicats d鈥檈xploitants agricoles) has called for action nationwide, with calls echoed by the regional groups the FNSEA 66 and Jeunes Agriculteurs 66.
The southern p茅age booth at Perpignan on the A9 motorway is expected to be closed during the protest.
Farmer grievances include claims of:
鈥淲e don't want privileges, just fairness and to be heard. We are in an era where everyone wants to eat better [but] don't understand that imported products may not meet the same standards as those imposed on us,鈥� said Enzo Rodriguez, president of Jeunes Agriculteurs 66, to local newspaper Actu Perpignan.
Farmers are set to meet at 12 noon on September 26, with plans to bring tractors, slow-moving machinery, and trucks containing tree stumps to blockade roads. Action is expected to last several hours.
The plans are part of a nationwide FNSEA call for action, with blockades expected to take place on other roads, at logistics warehouses, supermarkets, and in front of prefectural buildings.
Historically, farmers in France have blockaded roads and p茅ages to communicate grievances, including major nationwide protests in September last year, and in February and May this year, in the Paris area and nationally.
