A trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur countries, which includes a significant section on agriculture, has triggered protests from EU farmers who argue farm imports from South America do not meet European standards.

French farmers are mobilizing for widespread protests Monday, targeting the controversial EU-Mercosur trade agreement.

French farmers launched Monday a new wave of action to protest the adoption of a trade pact between the European Union and four South American countries they fear would threaten their livelihoods.

Farmers will protest across France on Monday as the prospect of a trade deal between European and Mercosur countries sharpens discontent over foreign competition that fuelled a farming crisis earlier this year.

French farmers use tractors to block a motorway in protest against the Mercosur bloc trade talks:::: Vélizy-Villacoublay, FranceA push by the European Union and South America's Mercosur bloc to conclude long-running trade negotiations by the end of the year has rekindled anger in France.

French farmers plan nationwide protests Monday against an EU-Mercosur trade deal, fearing increased foreign competition. Anger has surged after poor harvests, livestock disease, and delays in promised reforms.

A group used tractors to block a highway south of Paris in the lead-up to this week's events.Farmers throughout France have organized large-scale protests on Monday against the trade accord between the European Union and the Mercosur bloc of South American nations.