Agricultural Law: Exception for Two Insecticides Sparks Fresh Debate

Paris – 21 July 2026: On Monday, 20 July 2026, the French National Assembly adopted the compromise text for the emergency law on protection and agricultural sovereignty. At the center of the political dispute is a provision intended to allow time-limited exceptions, under strict conditions, to the national ban on two insecticides: acetamiprid and flupyradifurone.

The debate does not concern an immediate general reauthorization. Under the parliamentary text currently available, exceptions would only be possible by decree and would additionally require EU-level authorization or approval under the relevant EU rules. Opinions from the French health and environmental agency ANSES and from a parliamentary oversight body are also envisaged.

The text cites, in particular, proven technical dead ends in affected crops, the absence or obvious inadequacy of alternative products, and a research plan for replacement solutions as conditions. In addition, the best available methods to prevent spray drift must be used. Under the legal provision, the exception must not create significant risks to human health or cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment.

Acetamiprid belongs to the neonicotinoid group. Flupyradifurone does not chemically belong to this group, but acts on the nervous system of insects according to a comparable principle. France has nationally banned the use of neonicotinoids and active substances with a similar mode of action. Acetamiprid, however, remains approved at EU level. This difference between French and European rules is at the heart of the dispute.

Supporters of the exception point to the need to protect certain agricultural products from pest infestations and to the competitive disadvantages faced by French farms compared with producers in other EU member states. According to reports from the agricultural sector, beet, fruit and hazelnut crops in particular could be affected by the proposed special provisions. However, use would not be permitted by the law alone, but would depend on further administrative decisions.

Critics warn of possible consequences for pollinators, other insects and the environment. The Conseil d’Etat had documented, in previous proceedings, evidence cited by French authorities concerning the risks posed by acetamiprid to pollinators, as well as neurotoxic, developmental and hormonal effects. The parliamentary scientific committee OPECST also pointed in April to unresolved environmental and health issues and called for more research into alternatives.

The National Assembly vote does not yet fully conclude the legislative process. The Senate was also due to consider the amended text on Tuesday, 21 July 2026. The law can only enter into force after the parliamentary process has been completed, any possible constitutional review has taken place, and it has been promulgated. In addition, the controversial insecticides would require specific exemption rules and expert assessments.