French farmers are mobilizing for widespread protests on Monday targeting the EU-Mercosur trade agreement. Backed by their government, they argue the deal threatens their livelihoods by allowing a surge of South American agricultural imports produced under less stringent environmental standards.

A controversial trade deal between the EU and South America's Mercosur bloc is back in the spotlight with rekindled optimism that the two sides could conclude an agreement before the year is over.On the South American side,

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.

Farmers across France are on the road again, protesting the EU-Mercosur agreement and arguing that the deal would create unfair competition.

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.

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.