Activists from the Confédération paysanne protested at the Agricultural Show, dumping dead bees at the Phyteis stand to oppose the reintroduction of neonicotinoids, harmful to bee populations. The protest highlighted concerns over a bill backed by Senator Laurent Duplomb that could allow these pesticides back into use. Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard supports the proposal, while critics, including beekeepers, warn it could undo environmental progress and threaten biodiversity.
Activists Rally Against Pesticides at Agricultural Show
On Friday, a group of passionate activists from the Confédération paysanne, the third-largest agricultural union, staged a dramatic protest at the Agricultural Show by dumping bags filled with dead bees at the Phyteis stand, a prominent pesticide lobby. This act was a direct opposition to the potential reintroduction of a controversial neonicotinoid, known for its harmful effects on bee populations. The event drew attention from curious visitors before security intervened to remove the activists.
Concerns Surrounding Neonicotinoid Reintroduction
The striking message displayed on stickers at the Phyteis stand, which represents 18 suppliers of plant protection products, read, “The bees have Duplomb in the wing.” This slogan targets Laurent Duplomb, a senator from the LR party and one of the key proponents of a bill advocating for the reintroduction of neonicotinoids through exemptions for certain struggling sectors. Although these pesticides have been banned in France since 2018, they are still permitted in other European countries until 2033. After being approved by the Senate, this proposal is set for further discussion in the Assembly in the coming weeks.
During an interview on Sud Radio, Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard expressed her support for the proposal, deeming it “reasonable and framed.” She emphasized the necessity of “protection tools” for crops, provided they do not pose risks to human health. However, the molecule in question, acetamiprid, has been linked to significant dangers for various species according to numerous studies. The European Food Safety Authority (Efsa) has indicated “major uncertainties” regarding its potential neurotoxic effects on human development.
Laurence Marandola, spokesperson for the Confédération paysanne, highlighted the broader implications of pesticide use, stating, “Pesticides, farmers, and biodiversity are the first victims.” She also raised concerns about water quality, neighboring crops, and consumer safety. During the protest, Marandola voiced the urgent need for income and support for farmers, a call that was cut short by security personnel. Following an intense encounter with security, all activists were eventually permitted to return to their stand.
The president of Phyteis and Bayer France, Yves Picquet, expressed his surprise at the “violent” protest, stating that it lacked attempts at constructive dialogue. He reassured that the company is committed to reducing agriculture’s environmental footprint.
Muriel Pascal, a beekeeper from Lozère, warned that reintroducing acetamiprid would reverse decades of progress in recognizing the dangers associated with neonicotinoids. “The bee is the sentinel of the environment,” she stated, pointing out that no breeder would tolerate a 30% loss of their livestock, a reality faced by some beekeepers due to colony disappearances. Pascal lamented the lack of protection from institutions and the competition posed by imported honey, claiming that leadership within the interprofessional organization Interapi is dominated by the FNSEA, prompting the Confédération paysanne to announce its withdrawal from Interapi on Friday.