France goes against Mercosur, Brussels calls for a solution

The French government tightens controls on food imports to appease protesting farmers. They criticise the EU's planned trade deal with the Mercosur bloc and complain of unfair competition from countries with looser rules.

Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard has announced that France will suspend imports of certain foodstuffs containing substances banned in the EU, including more than a dozen products such as melons, strawberries and grapes, as well as citrus fruits from South America and other countries.

Imports will only be allowed if they do not contain residues of banned pesticides such as mancozeb or glufosinate.

According to Prime Minister Sebestien Lecornu, the measure sends a clear signal that France insists on complying with its standards. At the same time, Paris is calling on the European Commission to introduce similar measures at Union level.

(reuters, mja)