The French Senate has approved an emergency law that allows for the conditional return of two pesticides, a move intended to address farmers' concerns regarding their means of production. The bill passed with a vote of 214 to 111, despite deep divisions within the ruling majority and significant public opposition.
Following the Senate's approval, the Minister for the Ecological Transition, Monique Barbut, announced her intention to submit her resignation to President Emmanuel Macron in protest of the new legislation. The law has also faced sharp criticism from the political left, with Green MP Daniel Salmon characterizing the measure as a "reckless and destructive headlong rush" that relies on "complacent measures that deny the scientific evidence."
Conversely, centrist senator Franck Ménonville defended the legislation, arguing that it addresses the hypocrisy of reducing domestic agricultural production only to increase reliance on imported goods that fail to meet French standards. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu had previously committed to finding solutions for farmers to resolve their production challenges.
Under the new provisions, the health agency Anses may authorize the use of the pesticides acetamiprid and flupyradifurone on an "exceptional basis" and subject to specific conditions, provided the Minister of Agriculture makes a referral. Acetamiprid has been banned in France since 2018, although the European Union permits its use until 2033 at decreasing doses. Flupyradifurone, a new-generation neonicotinoid that has been banned in France since December 31, 2019, remains authorized for use within the EU until 2029. Critics are expected to refer the matter to the Constitutional Council.
