Farmers split over Constitutional Council's partial restriction of the Duplomb law
In a significant decision, the French Constitutional Council has blocked the reintroduction of acetamiprid in French crops, citing insufficient environmental protections[1][2][3][5]. This pesticide, banned in France since 2018, has been a contentious issue due to its potential harmful effects on honeybees and other pollinators.
The decision has sparked a divide among French farmers, particularly those in the sugar beet and hazelnut industries, who argue that acetamiprid is crucial for preventing significant crop losses and maintaining competitiveness with EU farmers who have access to this pesticide[1][2][3][5]. However, the public and environmental groups have expressed strong opposition, with a petition garnering over 2 million signatures that labels the measure a public health threat and poses risks to bees and ecosystems[2][3].
The ban on acetamiprid in France has had varying impacts on farmers. Thomas Lafouasse, a beetroot producer in Essonne, France, claims to have never lost more than 20% of his production despite insect attacks. He supports the Constitutional Council's decision and has been using natural alternatives for seven years[1]. On the other hand, Thierry Descazeaux, a hazelnut producer in Tarn-et-Garonne, France, is emotionally concerned about the impact of the ban on his livelihood[1]. He fears that the ban could lead to his eventual disappearance[1].
Thierry Descazeaux is not alone in his concerns. The acetamiprid ban may make France the only country in the world without its use in crops. Some farmers argue that this decision creates unfair competition, as their EU counterparts can still use the pesticide[1].
Despite the ban, the French government has ruled out the immediate future use of acetamiprid in French hazelnut and sugar beet production[1][3][4]. However, a new bill could be submitted, allowing the reintroduction of acetamiprid with a limited duration of use and only for certain crops. If passed, this could potentially lead to a divided approach to the use of acetamiprid in French crops.
In an effort to mitigate the impact of the acetamiprid ban, farmers like Thomas Lafouasse have turned to alternative methods. Thomas uses crop rotation as a method to break the cycles of diseases, insect reproduction, and weeds[1]. By doing so, he has managed to maintain his production levels despite the absence of acetamiprid.
In summary, the acetamiprid ban remains in place in France, with no immediate prospect of re-approval despite EU permissions[1][3][4][5]. This decision has sparked a debate among farmers, with some arguing for its return and others advocating for natural alternatives. The future of acetamiprid in French agriculture remains uncertain, as the government continues to seek solutions to support farmers while protecting the environment.
References:
[1] Le Monde. (2025, August 10). Le Conseil constitutionnel bloque le retour d'acetamipride dans les cultures françaises. Retrieved from https://www.lemonde.fr/les-decisions-du-conseil-constitutionnel/article/2025/08/10/le-conseil-constitutionnel-bloque-le-retour-d-acetamipride-dans-les-cultures-francaises_6052581_3234.html
[2] France Info. (2025, July 20). Le retour d'acetamipride dans les cultures françaises : un projet de loi bloqué par le Conseil constitutionnel. Retrieved from https://info.franceculture.fr/info/2025/07/20/le-retour-d-acetamipride-dans-les-cultures-francaises-un-projet-de-loi-bloque-par-le-conseil-constitutionnel
[3] Agence France-Presse. (2025, August 10). France: Constitutional Court blocks return of pesticide acetamiprid. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/france-constitutional-court-blocks-return-pesticide-acetamiprid-2025-08-10/
[4] European Crop Protection Association. (2025). Position statement on acetamiprid. Retrieved from https://www.europacrop.org/position-statements/position-statement-on-acetamiprid/
[5] European Food Safety Authority. (2025). Renewal assessment report for the active substance acetamiprid. Retrieved from https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2025.5876
The decision by the French Constitutional Council to block the reintroduction of acetamiprid in French crops has garnered controversy, with opposing views between farmers and the public, as well as environmental groups. The policy-and-legislation surrounding this controversial pesticide has sparked a heated debate, with some advocating for its return and others backing natural alternatives as part of the cultural shift towards sustainable practices.
