Macron Signs Agriculture Law, Upholds Ban on Controversial Pesticide

Macron only signed this bill into law after France’s Constitutional Council struck down its most disputed clause: the possible reintroduction of the pesticide acetamiprid. The court ruled that allowing the toxic substance back into use would violate France’s environmental charter, which guarantees the right to a healthy environment. Judges cited risks to both human health and biodiversity, especially pollinators and birds, as justification for blocking the move.

Public backlash played a major role in shaping this outcome, with a student-led petition opposing the reintroduction of the pesticide gathering more than 2.1 million signatures – an unprecedented figure that could trigger a symbolic parliamentary debate.

To learn more about the petition that led to the continuation of France’s ban on acetamiprid, see this news story on our website.