"French Farmer Protests: Government Concessions Prompt Union Suspension of Blockades"

France's two major farmers unions have suspended protests and lifted road blockades after the government offered new measures seen as "tangible progress," including emergency financial support for struggling farmers and wine producers, a ban on imports of certain pesticides-treated fruits and vegetables, and opposition to a free-trade deal with the Mercosur trade group. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal also announced aid to livestock farmers, decreased taxes on farm transfers, and a 2 billion euro package for new farmers, while doubling controls to sanction non-compliant food industrial groups and supermarkets.