Convoys of farmers in tractors paralyse France’s roads in protest at government

A woman cheers farmers with French flags as farmers drive their tractors on their way to a blockade on a highway near Paris (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Protesting farmers shut down long stretches of some of France’s major highways again on Friday, using tractors to block and slow traffic and squeeze the government ever more tightly to give in to their demands that growing and rearing food be made easier and more lucrative.

The farmers’ spreading movement for better remuneration for their produce, less red tape and lower costs, as well as protection against cheap imports is increasingly becoming a major crisis for the government.