Drone video shows French farmers' highway blockade

STORY: Local farming unions have called for roadblocks in and around Paris on Friday to step up pressure on the government, which the farmers accuse of not doing enough to help them cope with what they say are low food prices and excessive regulation.

The government is rushing to ease tensions with farmers as tractor convoys are expected to paralyze traffic around the capital in the afternoon, just before the prime minister is expected to address their concerns in a broadcast speech.

The Paris region branch of the FNSEA union plans to set up 11 roadblocks on the main commuter axes to all sides of Paris, including the A6, A10 and A13 highways, according to a planning document seen by Reuters.