Parliament has approved the Agricultural Orientation Law, aiming to address farmer discontent ahead of the Agricultural Show. Supported by Macron’s party and right-wing factions, the law has faced criticism for alleged environmental concessions. While the FNSEA welcomed the legislation, critics argue it neglects key agricultural issues. Notable provisions include reduced penalties for environmental violations and encouragement to retain EU-approved phytopharmaceutical products. Despite the law’s intentions, experts question its alignment with constitutional environmental protections.
Parliament’s Approval of the Agricultural Orientation Law
The Agricultural Orientation Law has successfully passed through Parliament, culminating in a decisive vote on Thursday. This development comes just before the highly anticipated Agricultural Show, seen as a crucial response to dissatisfaction within the farming sector. However, the law has faced criticism from leftist groups for purportedly making ‘environmental concessions.’
The Assembly overwhelmingly supported the law on Wednesday, aided by votes from Macron’s party, right-wing factions, and the National Rally. Following an agreement reached in the mixed parliamentary committee, the Senate ratified the text, ensuring its implementation ahead of Saturday’s prestigious agricultural event in Paris.
Mixed Reactions to the New Legislation
The Senate, which is predominantly composed of right and center-leaning members, approved the law with a vote of 236 to 103, providing the government with a much-needed boost after agricultural protests in prior years. The FNSEA, the leading agricultural union, expressed satisfaction, stating, ‘The productive vocation of our country is finally reaffirmed.’
On Saturday, President Emmanuel Macron is set to tour the aisles of France’s largest agricultural exhibition, a stark contrast to the tumultuous atmosphere of last year’s event. Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard remarked, ‘With this law, we are re-establishing France’s strong agricultural foundation, paving the way for the reconquest of our food sovereignty.’
However, critics like ecologist Yannick Jadot argue that the law represents a ‘denial of nature,’ asserting that it fails to address crucial issues surrounding agricultural income. Aurélie Trouvé, president of the Economic Affairs Committee from the LFI party, lamented, ‘Agriculture deserved better; such orientation laws aren’t commonplace.’
One contentious point in the legislation, which was notably expanded by the Senate, revises penalties for environmental offenses, allowing for decriminalization of unintentional violations with a minimal fine or educational course. The minister defended the law, stating it does not grant farmers permission to harm protected species or habitats.
Another measure that raises concerns among leftist and environmentalist circles invites the government to avoid banning EU-approved phytopharmaceutical products when no viable alternatives exist. This echoes the FNSEA’s mantra of ‘no prohibition without a solution.’ Despite some progress, environmental advocacy group Agir pour l’Environnement criticized the law for its troubling environmental rollback.
The law aims to elevate agriculture to ‘major public interest,’ seeking to influence administrative decisions and facilitate environmentally balanced projects such as water retention systems. However, legal experts express skepticism regarding the law’s effectiveness in light of constitutional environmental protections. The Senate’s introduction of a ‘non-regression of food sovereignty’ principle could lead to legal challenges.
Recognizing the challenges ahead, the FNSEA has labeled these provisions as ‘initial steps’ and emphasized the need for a more comprehensive approach to solidify agriculture’s status as a major public interest. Additionally, the law allows for presumed urgency in disputes over water reserve constructions and supports a ‘right to make mistakes’ for farmers, presuming ‘good faith’ during inspections. It also aims to streamline regulations concerning hedges and establish a unified departmental service—’France services agriculture’—to ease the operations of farmers.