Agricultural Emergency Law: Towards the Reintroduction of Two Pesticides?

What happened?

The French Parliament, with the ‘Loi d'urgence agricole’ (Agricultural Emergency Law) adopted on 21 July 2026, foresees an exceptional permission for the reuse of two neonicotinoid pesticides, acetamiprid and flupyradifurone. The deputies who passed the law indicated that the Senate must finalize the draft this weekend, i.e., on the evening of 22 July 2026. This decision has reignited the debate over the reuse of these pesticides.

Legislative Process

When the draft bill was approved by the National Assembly, it entered a stage awaiting Senate approval. The most contentious provision of the draft was the clause allowing, as an exception, the reuse of the two neonicotinoid pesticides, acetamiprid and flupyradifurone. These items bring the role of pesticides in agricultural production back onto the agenda while also raising potential environmental and health risks. The law aims to balance the impacts of pesticide reuse on the agricultural sector with the resulting environmental consequences.

Background

Neonicotinoid pesticides faced a sweeping ban by the European Union in 2018. The ban highlighted the adverse effects of these chemicals—used to control insects—on bee populations. France limited pesticide use to comply with the ban. However, production pressures in the agricultural sector and the efficiency gains offered by the pesticides led some politicians to call for their reuse. In this context, the ‘Loi d'urgence agricole’ emerged as an emergency law intended to boost the sustainability and productivity of the farming sector. While the law makes the reuse of the pesticides possible as an exception, it also incorporates environmental protection measures.

Why it matters

Although the law’s adoption could increase agricultural productivity, it also brings significant environmental and public‑health risks. Neonicotinoid pesticides have caused widespread ecological concerns because of their negative impact on bee populations. There is fear that re‑introducing these chemicals could further harm bees and other pollinators. At the same time, potential effects on human health are also under discussion. Production pressures and the efficiency benefits of the pesticides strengthen the arguments of those advocating for their reuse. Consequently, the law is viewed as an attempt to strike a balance between sustainable agricultural production and environmental protection.

What experts and parties say

In the debates surrounding the law, toxicology expert Laurence Huc provided information on the toxicology of the pesticides. Huc serves as a research director at INRAE and INSERM. The source material notes that Huc did not give further details on the toxicology of the pesticides. No additional information about other parties’ views is provided in the source, so no further explanation can be offered beyond what is stated.

What should be monitored next?

The Senate is expected to finalize the draft on the evening of 22 July 2026. After the law is adopted, implementation procedures and oversight mechanisms for the reuse of the pesticides must be defined. Regular reporting by producers is recommended to monitor pesticide use and assess environmental impacts. The views of the public and environmental organisations should be taken into account to ensure that the law’s implementation is transparent and accountable. Moreover, the long‑term effects of pesticide reuse on agricultural output and the environment should be evaluated through continuous monitoring.