The French government is battling to try and contain nationwide protests from farmers, who are demanding better pay and living conditions, with many set to converge in Paris today.

Belgian farmers also began a protest today, with many farmers across Europe complaining that the EU is not doing enough to help them in the face of international competition and globalisation.

“In the coming 48 hours, there will be certain measures we will put on the table,” France’s farming minister Marc Fesneau told France 2 TV.

Fesneau said one area of contention that France would look to change to help the country’s farmers was an EU nature law passed last year.

The fiercely contested law to restore degraded natural ecosystems was passed by the European Parliament last year.

The legislation will require countries to introduce measures restoring nature on a fifth of their land and sea by 2030. The aim is to reverse the decline of Europe’s natural habitats – 81% of which are classed as being in poor health.

However, many farmers have complained this could impact their businesses.