Farmers block Champs-Elysées in herbicide protest
Police urged rush-hour motorists to avoid busy thoroughfare and Place de la Concorde
An estimated 250 farmers blockaded the Champs-Elysées on Friday to protest against President Emmanuel Macron's plans to ban the use of the herbicide glyphosate.
They scattered bales of hay to block part of the road shortly before sunrise, prompting police to warn rush-hour motorists to avoid the usually busy thoroughfare and Place de la Concorde.
While farmers protested on the street, where they were addressed by environment minister Nicolas Hulot, a delegation was due to meet Mr Macron at the Elysée Palace
Glyphosate's EU licence is up for renewal at the end of the year. Mr Macron has indicated that France will vote against an EU recommendation to reauthorise its use for another 10 years early next month. The French position could scupper its relicensing.
Glyphosate, which is used in pesticides including Round-Up, has been linked to an increase in breast cancer, and other health issues.
