Brussels sees farmer protests as EU leaders meet

THOUSANDS of farmers took to the streets of Brussels yesterday to protest EU plans for a trade deal with South American bloc Mercosur and reforming agricultural subsidies.

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Driving hundreds of tractors, the demonstrators were expected to reach the European quarter of the Belgian capital at around noon, with European Union leaders locked in a high-stake summit.

Farmers, particularly in France, worry the Mercosur deal — which will be discussed at the EU leaders meeting ~ will see them undercut by a flow of cheaper goods from agricultural giant Brazil and its neighbours.