The French Constitutional Council has ruled that the use of acetic acid amide (acétamipride) insecticide is constitutional for farmers, allowing its continued application under emergency agricultural laws. This decision comes amid severe drought conditions and extreme heatwaves affecting all agricultural sectors in France. The ruling was part of a broader assessment of the emergency agricultural law, which had been widely anticipated by farmers facing unprecedented environmental challenges. The emergency agricultural law, adopted by Parliament on July 21, 2026, includes provisions aimed at addressing immediate concerns raised by farmers. Among these provisions is the authorization of acétamipride and flupyradifurone, two insecticides deemed necessary for pest control during this critical period. The Constitutional Council’s ruling confirmed that most of the law’s articles comply with constitutional principles, though some elements were flagged for further legislative review due to procedural concerns. Agricultural unions have welcomed the decision, emphasizing that the law provides practical solutions to long-standing issues blocked by political debate. Arnaud Rousseau, president of the FNSEA, one of France’s largest agricultural unions, expressed relief over the ruling. He noted that the Constitutional Council did not invalidate major components of the law, which he described as offering tangible responses to urgent problems faced by farmers. “This law gives farmers much-needed clarity and hope,” Rousseau stated. He urged President Emmanuel Macron to swiftly promulgate the law and for the government to release implementing decrees as soon as possible, given the ongoing crisis linked to drought. The current agricultural crisis is among the worst in decades, with temperatures reaching record highs and water resources dwindling. Farmers across the country, whether growing fruits, vegetables, livestock, or wine, are reporting losses ranging from 30 to 70 percent in some cases. These figures represent billions of euros in potential revenue lost, according to industry estimates. The impact is particularly acute in regions experiencing prolonged dry spells, where irrigation systems are struggling to keep up with demand. Serge Zaka, a doctor in agroclimatology, has warned that the situation could rival or even surpass the agricultural disaster of 2022, which saw widespread crop failures and economic hardship. “We are now in the depths of a national agricultural catastrophe,” Zaka said. He emphasized that the current crisis is not just a temporary setback but a systemic challenge exacerbated by climate change. Farmers describe the physical and emotional toll of the situation, with many reporting exhaustion and despair as they struggle to sustain their livelihoods. In response to the crisis, the French government has proposed measures such as guaranteed loans to help farmers manage financial strain. These loans aim to provide liquidity during periods of low income, ensuring that farms remain operational despite the loss of crops. While these steps are seen as a positive move, many argue that more substantial support is needed, especially as the effects of the drought continue to unfold. As the summer progresses, the focus remains on both immediate relief and long-term adaptation strategies. With the Constitutional Council’s approval of the emergency law, the path forward appears clearer for farmers, though the urgency of the situation demands swift action from policymakers. The coming weeks will likely see increased pressure on the government to implement the law fully and to introduce additional support mechanisms to aid the agricultural sector through this unprecedented crisis.
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