French farmers stage 1,000-strong tractor protest in Paris

PARIS — Hundreds of tractors are descending on Paris in a boisterous protest by farmers blocking highways in anger over falling French food prices and high taxes.

They are protesting increasingly slim margins they blame on cheap imports and high social charges, and seeking more support from the French government and the EU. It’s part of a larger debate over the future of European farming, and how to keep it globally competitive.

Tractors are moving slowly Thursday morning along highways toward the capital. Some farmers plan to head to Parliament. The FNSEA, France’s largest farming union, says 1,500 tractors are planning to take part in the protest.

Farmer Pierre Bot admits commuters might be angry at tangled roads, but adds: “It’s one of the only ways to make ourselves heard.”