French Petition Hits 1 Million Signatures Over Controversial Farming Law

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French Petition Hits 1 Million Signatures Over Controversial Farming Law

A fierce public outcry is sweeping across France after the government passed a controversial new law allowing farmers to use acetamiprid, a pesticide banned since 2018 due to its harmful effects on pollinators and ecosystems.

Known as La Loi Duplomb, the measure—named after Senator Laurent Duplomb—has sparked massive public opposition, culminating in a fast-growing petition that surpassed 1.1 million signatures just two weeks after its launch.

What Is La Loi Duplomb?

Passed on July 8, La Loi Duplomb reauthorizes the use of acetamiprid, a neonicotinoid-class pesticide linked to bee deaths and environmental harm. Although outlawed in France, acetamiprid remains legal in many other EU countries. Proponents argue that reintroducing it helps align France with EU standards and aids farmers struggling with crop threats—especially in the beetroot and nut industries.

But critics say the law sacrifices environmental and human health for short-term economic relief.

The Petition That Sparked a National Debate

Two days after the law passed, Eléonore Pattery, a 23-year-old student from Bordeaux, launched a petition to reverse it. Her message resonated.

  • 500,000 signatures were reached within one week
  • 1,159,000 signatures by late Sunday, just under two weeks in
  • According to French regulations, passing 500,000 verified signatures qualifies the petition for public debate in the Assemblée Nationale

However, it’s important to note:
The petition does not guarantee repeal or revision of the law.

What’s the Controversy?

Health & Environmental Risks

Critics—including beekeepers, scientists, and environmental groups—warn that acetamiprid is a bee killer and may contribute to long-term ecosystem damage. Many cite its classification as a “possible endocrine disruptor” and call it part of a class of chemicals linked to pollinator decline.

Farmers’ Perspective

Farmers argue that the ban puts them at a competitive disadvantage within the EU. They claim they lack viable alternatives to protect their crops from increasingly resistant pests and that reintroducing acetamiprid is a practical necessity, not a preference.

Political Reaction

Supporters

Senator Frank Menonville defends the legislation, stating:

“There’s nothing revolutionary in this law. We’re aligning French rules with what is already legal at the European level.”

He criticized opposition lawmakers for “creating fear” and emphasized that the measure was debated and passed in both chambers of parliament.

Opposition

Demonstrations broke out before the law’s passage, with thousands rallying across France. Environmental groups like Greenpeace France continue to mobilize.

“We are all going to be affected by the consequences of this deadly and toxic law,”
said Olivar Calvo, agriculture campaigner at Greenpeace.

Timeline of the Acetamiprid Debate

DateEvent
2018Acetamiprid banned in France
July 8, 2025La Loi Duplomb passed by French Parliament
July 10, 2025Petition launched by Eléonore Pattery
July 19, 2025Petition surpasses 500,000 signatures
July 20, 2025Petition hits over 1.1 million signatures
TBDPotential debate in the Assemblée Nationale

What Happens Next?

  • Debate expected in the National Assembly due to the petition’s popularity
  • Policy unlikely to change unless legislators or the government choose to repeal or amend the law
  • Continued public pressure may influence future pesticide regulations and broader agricultural policy

France now finds itself at a crossroads—torn between the demands of its agricultural sector and the mounting public call for environmental responsibility. While La Loi Duplomb may have passed, the unprecedented petition shows that the debate over the future of farming, pollinators, and pesticide policy in France is far from over.

FAQs

What is acetamiprid, and why is it controversial?

Acetamiprid is a neonicotinoid pesticide linked to pollinator decline. Though less toxic than some of its counterparts, its effects on bees and the environment remain concerning.

Why was it banned in France in 2018?

It was banned due to environmental and health risks, particularly its impact on pollinators like bees, which are crucial for ecosystems and food production.

Does the petition mean the law will be repealed?

No. Under French law, a petition over 500,000 signatures triggers a parliamentary debate but does not guarantee legal reversal.

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