Emergency Farming Law: Reintroduction of Two Banned Pesticides Splits Political Parties
The 78-article bill would let farmers use two EU-approved pesticides banned in France, as ministers and MPs clash over the measure.
- On Tuesday, the National Assembly approved an emergency agriculture bill permitting temporary use of two pesticides previously banned in France, with the Senate set to vote today.
- Proponents argue French sugar beet, apple, and hazelnut farmers need these insecticides, forbidden since 2018 and 2019, to compete with European counterparts; opponents cite risks to human health and bee populations.
- Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard argued that failing to pass would "utterly dash farmers' hopes," while Environment Minister Monique Barbut warned reintroducing banned substances remains "the main sticking point."
- Greenpeace condemned the measure, and French Beekeeping Union member Henri Clement called the decision "absolutely catastrophic"; opponents plan to appeal to the Constitutional Council, which struck down similar provisions in 2025.
- As heatwaves push environmental concerns to the forefront, 32% of citizens now prioritize environmental protection, a 12-point increase; the legislation also addresses water storage reform for agricultural irrigation.
44 Articles
44 Articles
Division within the government and among farmers, fury of NGOs... The Agricultural Emergency Act, which is in the process of being adopted by Parliament, provides for the reintroduction of derogations for some sectors
The adoption of the Agricultural Emergency Act which paves the way for the possible reintroduction of two pesticides causes a crisis. ...
Parliament definitively adopted the emergency agricultural bill on Tuesday, July 21, including its controversial provision allowing the reintroduction, on an exceptional basis, of certain pesticides authorized in the European Union but banned in France. The Senate adopted the government bill, introduced by Sébastien Lecornu, by a vote of 214 to 111.
By paving the way for the use of two insecticides with proven toxic effects, Parliament and the government have chosen to align themselves with the demands of agro-industry and multinational chemical companies.
ledauphine.com
MPs are to vote this Monday evening on the agricultural emergency bill which includes an amendment reintroducing the possibility of using acetamipride. One year after the petition to the two million signatories against the Duplomb law, censored by the Constitutional Council, the controversy could resurgence.
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