France: National Assembly authorizes reintroduction of two banned pesticides

Herz — World Desk · 21 July 2026 at 07:10 · 30s summary · 3 min read

What we know

The French National Assembly adopted an emergency agricultural law in the early hours of July 21, 2026, with 296 votes in favor and 224 against, according to Le Temps.

The central measure of the text authorizes, on an exceptional and conditional basis, the reintroduction of two insecticides banned in France but approved in the European Union. These are acetamiprid—an organochlorine insecticide from the neonicotinoid family—and flupyradifurone, a systemic insecticide from the butenolide family marketed notably under the name Sivanto. Both products are intended for a handful of agricultural sectors in difficulty.

The National Rally and two-thirds of the government coalition voted in favor; nearly all of the left voted against.

The text must still receive a confirmatory vote from the Senate, expected on July 21, 2026, to be definitively adopted. This step is considered assured, with the pesticide provision—the main achievement of senators—being maintained in the text.

Divisions within the coalition

The vote revealed internal divisions within the government coalition. Members of parliament from the majority had filed amendments aimed at removing the acetamiprid provision. They argued that Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu himself had called for this measure not to be included in the law he had initiated.

The government exercised its veto right to block examination of these amendments. Its circle meanwhile stated that "the ban on acetamiprid remains the principle" and that the decision had been left to Parliament.

The ban on acetamiprid remains the principle

— Office of Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu