WORLD : French Farmers Snarl Traffic
Hundreds of angry farmers used tractors, bales of hay and barricades of burning tires to block traffic today on major highways near several cities in central France.
One group of farmers intercepted a Belgian truck carrying imported beef, and seized all the eight-ton cargo except a portion destined for charity organizations.
The protests were the latest in a six-month campaign by farmers who contend that the government is not protecting them against low-priced meat imports and the effects of drought. A decision last week by the European Community to reduce state subsidies to farmers also has drawn criticism.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
