France’s top court strikes down pesticide clause in farming law

France’s highest court on Thursday blocked a key part of a contentious farming law that would have brought back a banned pesticide.

According to the French Constitutional Court, the measure failed to protect the environment and future generations. The rest of the law - known as the “Duplomb law,” after the senator who proposed it - was allowed to stand.

The bill aimed to loosen rules for farmers and fast-track projects like water storage. It was backed by the government and major farming unions and passed in early July.

However, it was met with fierce competition from scientists, health experts and green groups.

At the heart of the controversy was acetamiprid, a pesticide banned in France since 2018 for its role in harming bees and other pollinators. Some farmers, especially beet growers, had pushed for its return.

A student-led petition against the law drew more than 2 million signatures - one of the biggest in French history. Opponents said that the bill was rushed through parliament with barely any debate, and warned that it put public health and biodiversity at risk.

On Thursday, the French court ruled that the proposal previously passed was not strict enough and ignored France's constitutional commitment to environment protection.

The ruling is a blow to President Emmanuel Macron’s government, which had defended the bill until the end.

Left wing politicians were quick to react on social media.

Manuel Bompard, coordinator of France Insoumise, said that: "The mobilization must continue until the law is withdrawn and a government, more dangerous than ever for the environment and health, is censored."

Ian Brossat, co-chairman of the Communist group on the Paris council, welcomed the "excellent news for public health and the environment" and denounced what he described as an "absurd and dangerous" law.

Critics called the decision a win for democracy and the planet. Some lawmakers have already vowed to push for a full repeal in the coming months.

Acetamiprid is currently approved by the European Union until 2033, and authorized in other member countries.