French farmers have recently been hit hard by a multitude of factors including falling incomes, environmental regulations, and competition for imports. This has resulted in them collectively turning to streets in and around Paris on their tractors to protest. While Paris is the most strongly hit, such protests are taking place all over the nation. According to the BBC, 15,000 police officials have been mobilized to keep the situation under control. Similar protests have also been taking place in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. 

According to Arnaud Rousseau, head of the National Federation of Agricultural Holders’ Union, their goal is to provoke the government to find a quick resolution to their problems. The farmers plan on continuing their protests until additional resources are provided to help them deal with the falling prices of food. The farmers plan on preventing food from reaching supermarkets to demonstrate their discontent. Though the officials have warned them not to do this, the police have been given “no-intervention” orders. As of January 29, no signs of disorder are visible, but the situation still looks grim. 

French President Emmanuel Macron is all set to meet European Union President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels on Thursday, February 1, to discuss measures across EU nations to help the farmers.