Prisca Thevenot opposes the reintroduction of acetamiprid in the agricultural law

Paris – 20 July 2026: Former government spokesperson Prisca Thevenot has opposed reintroducing the pesticide acetamiprid into the bill on agricultural security and sovereignty. In an interview on Monday, the MP from the camp of former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said she did not support the renewed use of the active substance currently banned in France. Her position comes at a crucial stage of the parliamentary process.

A joint committee made up of equal numbers of MPs and senators reached a compromise text on 16 July. This text provides for a strictly time-limited exemption for products containing acetamiprid, but only for hazelnut cultivation. The authorization decision would not be made directly by the Ministry of Agriculture, but by the national agency for food, environmental and occupational health safety, Anses, after the minister requests an assessment. This exemption would be limited to one year and could only be renewed a maximum of twice.

The provision also includes legal and technical hurdles. A marketing authorization or an exemption permitted under European law would still be required. The compromise text also requires that alternatives not be sufficiently available and that the economic situation of the affected production sector justify special regulation. A monitoring body would report annually to Parliament and the government on the economic and ecological consequences, as well as progress in research into alternatives.

The issue has politically overshadowed the bill, which was originally drafted as a response to farmers’ protests. The law includes measures concerning the future direction of agriculture, competition, standards, water management and production. Parliament adopted the government’s draft on 2 June 2026, while the Senate substantially amended it on 2 July. The expedited legislative procedure allows each chamber only one debate before entering the conciliation process.

As early as late June, the government warned that reintroducing acetamiprid could jeopardize the entire project. Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard emphasized at the time the many other measures farms were waiting for. Supporters argue that competitive disadvantages against imports must be avoided and certain individual production sectors protected. Critics, by contrast, see ecological and health risks, as well as a contradiction with France’s existing ban.

Thevenot’s opposition shows that the compromise is not yet secured even within the presidential and centrist camp. The final debate in Parliament is scheduled for 20 July, with the Senate vote set for 21 July. Whether the limited acetamiprid exemption remains in the text therefore depends not only on agreement between the two chambers, but also on the balance of majorities in the final votes.