ROME, March 7, 2026 – A hundred farmers and five tractors staged a protest in Piazzale Ostiense, Rome, on Saturday, marking the second day of mobilization by the Coapi agricultural and fishing association. The demonstrators voiced strong opposition to the Mercosur trade agreement, asserting that it poses a significant threat to Italian agriculture and food production.
Farmers Unite Against Mercosur Agreement
The protest, which saw tractors adorned with banners carrying slogans such as ‘#telodoioilmadeinitaly’ (I’ll give you Made in Italy), ‘Mercosur is the death of our farmers,’ and ‘Mercosur is our end,’ highlighted deep-seated concerns among Italian agricultural workers. Farmers from across Italy gathered on a stage, taking turns to express their grievances.
Angelo Di Stefano, spokesperson for Coapi, articulated the reasons behind the protest: “We are here today in Piazzale Ostiense, joined by citizens, mayors, consumer associations, and food artisans from CNA, to defend the primary sector, agriculture. Without Italian production, there can be no ‘Made in Italy.’ We demand new labeling regulations because agreements like the EU-Mercosur are being made at the expense of small businesses, benefiting industries, lobbies, and other sectors while excluding agriculture.”
Call for Fair Food Rights and Support for Local Producers
Di Stefano further explained that the protest targets the Mercosur agreement and champions the right to food for Italians. “It is no longer acceptable that citizens struggle to afford good food, especially today, while we, farmers and fishermen, are forced to close our businesses. It’s time to say enough is enough.”
The farmers argue that the Mercosur agreement, a proposed trade deal between the European Union and the Mercosur bloc (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay), would open the European market to agricultural products from these countries, often produced under different environmental and labor standards. This, they contend, would create unfair competition for Italian farmers, leading to a decline in local production and potentially compromising food quality.
Impact on Italian Agriculture and Economy
The agricultural sector is a cornerstone of the Italian economy, celebrated for its high-quality produce and traditional farming methods. Farmers fear that increased imports from Mercosur countries could drive down prices, making it unsustainable for many small and medium-sized Italian farms to compete. This could result in job losses, rural depopulation, and a loss of biodiversity as traditional farming practices are abandoned.
The protest also touched upon the broader issue of food sovereignty and the importance of supporting local economies. Demonstrators emphasized that consumers should have access to clear and accurate information about the origin and production methods of their food, allowing them to make informed choices that support sustainable agriculture.
Future Actions and Political Engagement
While the protest on Saturday was largely peaceful, it underscored the growing frustration among Italian farmers. Coapi representatives indicated that they would continue to engage with political leaders and policymakers to advocate for their demands. They hope to influence negotiations regarding the Mercosur agreement and push for policies that prioritize the protection and promotion of Italian agricultural products.
The farmers’ movement is part of a wider European trend, with similar protests having taken place in other EU member states where agricultural communities are concerned about the impact of international trade agreements and changing agricultural policies. The calls for fair prices, reduced bureaucracy, and stronger support for local producers resonate across the continent.
The demonstration in Rome serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the agricultural sector and the need for a balanced approach to trade that safeguards both economic interests and the livelihoods of farmers.
