A controversial trade deal between the EU and South America's Mercosur bloc is back in the spotlight with rekindled optimism that the two sides could conclude an agreement before the year is over.On the South American side,

French farmers are mobilizing for widespread protests Monday, targeting the controversial EU-Mercosur trade agreement

French farmers launched Monday a new wave of action to protest a proposed trade pact between the European Union and four South American countries, which they say threatens their livelihoods.

French farmers use tractors to block a motorway in protest against the Mercosur bloc trade talks:::: Vélizy-Villacoublay, FranceA push by the European Union and South America's Mercosur bloc to conclude long-running trade negotiations by the end of the year has rekindled anger in France.

Farmers will protest across France on Monday as the prospect of a trade deal between European and Mercosur countries sharpens discontent over foreign competition that fuelled a farming crisis earlier this year.

French farmers have escalated their protests against the EU-Mercosur trade agreement under negotiation. They cite fears of unfair competition. They argue the deal would threaten their livelihoods by a

Farmers across France are on the road again, protesting the EU-Mercosur agreement and arguing that the deal would create unfair competition.