Editing José Bové (section)

== Agricultural unionist ==

Bové continued both as a farmer and an activist. In 1987, he formed the ''[[Confédération Paysanne]],'' an agricultural union. It promotes the quality of life for humans and the environment, promoting [[organic farming]].  In opposition to many companies in the profit-oriented agro-industry, Bové is a prominent opponent of [[genetically modified organism]]s (GMO).  In 1995 he joined [[Greenpeace]] on their ship, the ''[[Rainbow Warrior (1978)|Rainbow Warrior]],'' in a voyage to protest [[nuclear weapon]]s testing in the [[Pacific Ocean]]. He has also been part of the [[anarchist]] organization ''[[Alternative Libertaire]].''{{citation needed|date=January 2021}}

Bové and the ''Confédération'' gained national and international attention in 1999 by dismantling a [[McDonald's]] franchise that was under construction in [[Millau]] ([[Aveyron]]).<ref name="notwelcome">{{cite web |title=Jose Bove's Not Welcome in Bush's USA |url=https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/jose-boves-not-welcome-bushs-usa/|date=9 February 2006|access-date=2023-08-26 |work=The Nation }}</ref>  Considered by his supporters to be non-violent, Bové designed this protest against new US restrictions on importing Roquefort cheese and other products, which were harming the farmers who live from these products, and to raise awareness about McDonald's' use of hormone-treated beef. Bové was sentenced to three months' imprisonment for his role; he was imprisoned for 44 days and released early on 1 August 2002.

Later, the [[European Union]] imposed restrictions on importing hormone-treated beef (see [[Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement]]). However, the World Trade Organization, of which both the US and France are members, disallowed this restriction. After the EU refused to comply and remove the restrictions, the United States placed punitive tariffs on the importation of certain European goods, including [[Roquefort cheese]], in retaliation.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://content.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1872241,00.html|title=France Fumes Over US Roquefort Tax|magazine=Time|first=Bruce|last=Crumley|date=16 January 2009|access-date=17 April 2021}}</ref>