French farmers stage a surprise early morning protest outside the Environment Ministry in Paris.<br/> <br />Angry over environmental legislation they say puts them at a competitive disadvantage, they voice their dissent with mud and straw.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (French) GREGOIRE DE MEAUX PRESIDENT OF WESTERN FRANCE YOUNG FARMERS' UNION SAYING:<br/> <br />"Compared to other countries, France is the only country in Europe to have so many agro-environmental regulations. For us, we feel that these measures are punitive and excessive. We're in the same race as other European countries, but we've running with a ball and chain round our legs."<br/> <br />As morning breaks, police move in to clear the road for the work day rush.<br/> <br />As the street is cleared, misgivings linger.<br/> <br />This has been a long running row, with France campaigning for tighter limits on food commodities for some time.<br/> <br />It says reforms are needed to control high food prices and shield consumers from price volatility, especially those in developing economies.<br/> <br />But French farmers complain the measures are excessive, making them less competitive against their European counterparts.<br/> <br />Hayley Platt, Reuters.
