pollution at the heart of the debates

Among the criticisms made against agriculture is soil pollution. Authorities have put plans in place to limit pesticides. “It remains at a level higher than 2008, the start of the ecophyto plan, which was supposed to reduce the use of pesticides, did not have the expected effect. A parliamentary commission of inquiry has just reported on the ineffectiveness of this plan”, underlines François Veillerette, spokesperson for the Générations futures association. The farmers explain that they have no alternative. Europe has authorized the use of glyphosate until 2033.

Glyphosate, diesel and livestock singled out

Another criticism: the use of non-road diesel, less polluting than conventional fuel oil but green alternatives exist. “Fuels based on soya, rapeseed and sunflower oil. The main problem is that these are oils in competition with food uses”, explains Aurélien Bigo, researcher specializing in the energy transition in transport. Last black spot: pollution generated by livestock farming, which represents 12% of greenhouse gas emissions caused by humans.