"Spanish farmers and their supporters gathered in Madrid on Wednesday to protest against EU agricultural policies and to counter a proposed trade agreement with South American Mercosur countries, warning of risks to food quality and the jobs of local producers. Footage shows demonstrators chanting slogans and holding placards reading 'No Mercosur,' 'Food security,' and 'Without farmers and livestock breeders, Madrid doesn’t eat.' Tractors were also seen blocking roads as part of the demonstration while bowls and pots of fabada were being prepared and distributed to protesters as they listened to speeches. “Today we are offering a Madrid-style meal, which is our way of supporting the farmers and livestock breeders of the Community of Madrid,” said one chef at the event. “We have used local produce […] and what we are looking for is something that supports and benefits our primary sector,” he continued. Several farmers expressed concern that the Mercosur agreement could allow products into the EU that do not meet European standards. “Who will be the most affected? It will be the consumer [...] all of that is prohibited here in Spain, in Europe. But in Mercosur […] it is allowed,” added another protesting farmer. Another speaker stressed the broader impact of the dispute by defending farmers and livestock breeders as a means of defending the food supply for the 'whole of society.' Protesters also argued that lowering production standards would harm both European producers and consumers. “If the Mercosur agreement goes ahead, we are going to have a very serious problem with the quality of our products,” warned another protester. The protests are part of a broader wave of demonstrations by the agricultural sector across Europe, with further rallies planned in the coming weeks. EU member states gave the deal the go-ahead early this year, opening the way for its planned signing in January, but its progress has been met with resistance in the European Parliament. Lawmakers recently voted to refer the pact to the Court of Justice of the European Union, a move that could delay its implementation while judges examine its compatibility with EU law. "