French parliament approves emergency farm bill allowing restricted pesticide use

France's parliament has definitively approved an emergency agricultural bill that could permit the exceptional use of two pesticides banned in the country, BFMTV reported. The Senate gave final approval late Tuesday after the National Assembly passed it by a 296-224 vote following an overnight debate.

Pesticide Provision and Political Fallout

The bill authorises food and environmental safety agency ANSES to allow the use of acetamiprid and flupyradifurone under certain conditions in agricultural sectors facing serious difficulties. Both pesticides are banned in France but permitted under EU rules. The government blocked amendments seeking to remove the provision, drawing criticism from centrist lawmakers. Ecological Transition Minister Monique Barbut, who opposed the measure, will submit her resignation to President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday.

Reactions and Next Steps

Left-wing parties, including Socialists and Greens, said they would refer the bill to the Constitutional Council. Environmental group Generations Futures condemned the decision, while the farmers' union FNSEA welcomed it as "a major turning point" for French agriculture.