Parliament Approves Controversial Farm Bill
France’s parliament has approved a controversial agricultural bill allowing the restricted return of two pesticides linked to bee deaths.
The legislation covers acetamiprid and flupyradifurone. Both chemicals are banned in France but remain permitted under European Union regulations.
The National Assembly approved the bill by 296 votes to 224 following a tense overnight debate.
The right-leaning Senate later passed the legislation by 214 votes to 111, completing the parliamentary process.
The measure allows France’s food and environmental safety agency to approve temporary use in specific farming sectors.
Any authorisation must be limited to areas facing serious agricultural difficulties.
Supporters say the pesticides are essential for sugar beet, apple and hazelnut growers.
They argue that French farmers face unfair competition from European producers who can legally use the same chemicals.
Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard defended the bill as a response to growing frustration among farmers.
She said approval would only be granted during emergencies when no effective alternative exists.
Authorities would also need to determine that temporary use posed no unacceptable risk to people or the environment.
Scientists and Beekeepers Warn of Serious Risks
Environmental organisations, scientists and left-wing lawmakers strongly opposed the bill.
They warned that the chemicals could damage bee populations and threaten wider biodiversity.
Acetamiprid belongs to a group of pesticides associated with harm to pollinating insects.
Research has suggested that exposure can affect honeybee memory, movement and food-gathering ability.
A 2024 study also indicated that flupyradifurone could be lethal to certain bee species.
French beekeeping representatives described the parliamentary decision as catastrophic.
They warned that declining bee populations could damage ecosystems and agricultural production.
Bees play a major role in pollinating crops, fruit trees and wild plants.
Greenpeace accused the government and supporting lawmakers of ignoring scientific evidence, environmental protection and public opinion.
Most left-wing members of the National Assembly opposed the measure.
However, support from far-right lawmakers, conservatives and several centrist representatives allowed it to pass.
The political left has announced plans to challenge the new law before France’s Constitutional Council.
Ministerial Resignation and Legal Battle Expected
The vote has also created a major political crisis inside the French government.
Environment Minister Monique Barbut had strongly opposed the return of acetamiprid.
Her aides warned before the Senate vote that she could resign if the legislation received final approval.
Following its passage, Barbut reportedly indicated that she intended to leave the government before Wednesday’s cabinet meeting.
She argued that remaining in office after the decision would conflict with her environmental principles.
The latest dispute follows an earlier legal battle over the same pesticide.
In August 2025, France’s Constitutional Council blocked a provision seeking to restore acetamiprid.
The court found that the proposal failed to meet constitutional environmental protections.
The earlier measure faced massive public opposition.
More than two million people signed a petition calling for the pesticide provision to be rejected.
Supporters of the new bill say it contains stricter limits and temporary exemptions.
Opponents remain unconvinced.
They argue that even restricted use could expose bees, ecosystems and agricultural workers to serious risks.
The legislation will now face possible constitutional review.
Until that process is completed, the dispute between farming interests and environmental campaigners is expected to intensify.
