Angry French farmers throw carrots and apples

Farmers are blocking Champs-Elysées in Paris with burning bales of straw and car tyres. On the placards are slogans like 'wheat farmers insolvent' and 'angry wheat farmers' are mentioned. Protests were held in various French towns. Farmers threw carrots and apples at a government building in Avignon

Tractors blocked a motorway in Lille. The farmers have to contend with financial problems as food prices decreased again after the record high experienced in 2007. They are drawing attention to a disasterous plan from the government in order to decrease the tax burden and to improve their competitive position with regard to other European farmers.