Aug 8, 09:31 AM

France’s Constitutional Council Blocks Reintroduction of Neonicotinoid Pesticide Acetamiprid in Loi Duplomb Amid Divided Reactions

France's Constitutional Council has invalidated the most contentious provision of the Loi Duplomb, which sought to reintroduce acetamiprid, a banned neonicotinoid pesticide, under certain conditions. The court ruled this measure incompatible with the French Environmental Charter. Acetamiprid remains authorized in Europe until 2033 but is prohibited in France. The decision has sparked divided reactions: environmental groups and the political left hailed it as a victory for health and environmental protection, while agricultural unions such as the FNSEA and many farmers criticized it as detrimental to farming sectors, particularly sugar beet and hazelnut producers. Laurent Duplomb, the law's author and a senator from the center-right Les Républicains party, expressed disappointment and indicated plans to propose new legislation to reintroduce acetamiprid. The French Minister of Agriculture warned of potential risks to certain agricultural sectors following the ruling. The Minister of Health called for a European reassessment of acetamiprid's health impacts. The debate continues amid concerns about unfair competition from imports and calls from some local officials for renewed parliamentary deliberation on the law. The controversy reflects broader tensions between environmental protection efforts and agricultural industry interests in France.