French agriculture minister welcomes approval of emergency farm bill despite controversy

Tuesday 21 July 2026 - 09:01

By: Sahili Aya

French agriculture minister welcomes approval of emergency farm bill despite controversy

France's National Assembly has approved the government's controversial emergency agriculture bill, with Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard describing the vote as a significant step toward strengthening support for the country's farming sector.

Speaking on Tuesday, Genevard said she was "very satisfied" with the legislation's passage through the lower house, arguing that the bill responds directly to concerns raised during the nationwide farmers' protests earlier this year.

The legislation now requires final approval from the Senate before it can become law. A confirming vote is expected later on Tuesday, which would complete the parliamentary process.

According to the minister, the reform was developed in consultation with agricultural organizations and is intended to improve the competitiveness of French farmers while protecting them from what she described as unfair competition within the European market.

One of the bill's most contentious provisions concerns crop protection products. Under the proposed rules, ANSES, France's national health and food safety agency, would be allowed under strict conditions to grant temporary authorizations for the use of two pesticides that are banned nationally but remain permitted under European Union regulations.

The substances concerned—acetamiprid and flupyradifurone—could only be reintroduced through derogations for a limited number of agricultural sectors facing significant production challenges.

Supporters argue that the measure would help farmers compete with producers in other EU member states that continue to use the same products legally. Critics, however, contend that easing restrictions on pesticides could weaken environmental protections and pose risks to biodiversity and pollinating insects.

The debate reflects the broader challenge facing European policymakers as they attempt to balance agricultural competitiveness, food security and environmental sustainability amid growing pressure from farmers and changing market conditions.

If the Senate gives its final approval, the emergency agriculture law will become one of the French government's most significant responses to the agricultural unrest that has shaped policy discussions throughout the year.