Tens of thousands of farmers have staged protests across France and blocked traffic for several hours in central Paris.

France's main farmer's union, FNSEA, estimated some 50,000 farmers turned out across the country. They are demanding a 1.4 billion aid package to help struggling farms after produce prices plummeted by up to 20 percent following abundant harvests. In an interview, President Nicolas Sarkozy promised to protect the agricultural sector but failed to mention any specific measures.

Photo: Flickr/paul+photo's=moody