France’s highest court has blocked a key part of a contentious farming law that aimed to bring back a banned pesticide. The ruling said the measure failed to protect the environment and future generations, despite being backed by the government and major farming unions.
The law, known as the “Duplomb law,” was designed to loosen rules for farmers and fast-track projects like water storage. However, it sparked fierce opposition from scientists, health experts, and green groups over its potential impact on bees and other pollinators.
The banned pesticide, acetamiprid, had been prohibited in France since 2018 due to concerns over its effects on wildlife. Despite this, farmers, especially sugar beet growers, had pushed for its return.
In a surprise move, the court ruled that the proposal wasn’t strict enough to meet France’s constitutional commitment to environmental protection. The decision was welcomed by critics who argued that the bill was rushed through parliament without sufficient debate and posed risks to public health and biodiversity.
President Emmanuel Macron’s government had defended the bill until the end, but the ruling marks a significant blow to their efforts. Lawmakers have vowed to push for a full repeal in the coming months, with some hailing the decision as a win for democracy and the planet.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/france-macron-farming-pesticide-309b7a60be58d5fb960211e2e1b53d33