The French Parliament has definitively approved an emergency agricultural bill aimed at addressing the economic struggles of the nation's farmers. The legislation, which passed following a tense legislative process, includes provisions to simplify regulations, support agricultural income, and strengthen food sovereignty. A central and highly contentious element of the law allows the national food and environmental safety agency, ANSES, to authorize the exceptional, temporary use of two pesticides—acetamiprid and flupyradifurone—in specific agricultural sectors facing severe difficulties. While these substances are currently banned in France, they remain permitted under broader European Union regulations.
The bill also introduces significant changes to water management, including a target to double agricultural water storage capacity by 2035. Proponents of the law, including Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard, argue that these measures provide necessary, concrete solutions to help farmers remain competitive and cope with the impacts of climate change. They emphasize that the legislation is a vital response to the widespread agricultural protests that occurred earlier this year.
However, the passage of the law has exposed deep divisions within the government and the political landscape. Critics, including environmental groups and some members of the government, have expressed strong opposition to the pesticide exemptions and the new water storage policies. They warn that these measures could undermine environmental protections and public health. The controversy has already had political consequences, with the Minister for Ecological Transition, Monique Barbut, announcing her resignation following the bill's adoption. As the law moves toward implementation, left-wing parties have indicated they may refer the legislation to the Constitutional Council for review, citing concerns over its environmental impact.