Euro meets rough ride from French farmers

31 December 1998

Euro meets rough ride from French farmers

The impending launch of the European single currency is set to meet a sceptical reception among French farmers, reports The Times.

Polls in France show that, while the population as a whole is in favour of the euro, uncertainty and hostility are concentrated among those living in rural areas.

This scepticism is heightened by concerns about the reform of spending on agriculture.

French farmers unions began last week scrutinising European Union proposals for compensation for lower farm payments under the euro.

Politicians already fear that farmers could become alienated and resort to more militant demonstrations of their disaffection with the proposals.