Parliament Reaches a Compromise on French Agricultural Law Ahead of Trade Show
Background:
Four days before the opening of the Paris International Agricultural Show, the French Parliament has reached an agreement on a crucial agricultural orientation law. The bill, initially introduced nearly a year ago, has been repeatedly delayed and faced significant opposition from environmentalists and the political left.
Compromise Agreement:
On the evening of Tuesday, February 18th, a joint committee of seven parliamentarians from the National Assembly and seven senators negotiated a compromise text. The agreement responds to concerns raised by the agricultural sector but has also drawn criticism for its environmental implications.
Vote and Approval:
The Senate had previously approved the bill by a vote of 218 to 107, while the National Assembly passed it just before its dissolution. The compromise text will now be subject to final votes by both chambers before becoming law. Adoption is expected to be swift, as the government and the National Rally party have joined forces in support of the measure.
Highlights of the Bill:
The law’s primary objective is to elevate agriculture to the status of "major general interest." Other key elements include:
- Agricultural Inheritance: Measures to facilitate the transfer of farms amid an aging agricultural workforce.
- Agricultural Education: Revising goals and curriculum for agricultural education.
- Environmental Regulations: Streamlining regulations and reducing penalties for certain environmental offenses.
- Agroforestry Management: Establishing a new framework for managing hedges and trees on agricultural land.
Environmental Concerns:
Critics, including environmental organizations and left-leaning lawmakers, have decried the bill as a "major environmental setback." They argue that it weakens existing protection for biodiversity and natural habitats.
- Non-Regression Principle: The Senate’s addition of a principle prohibiting the erosion of food sovereignty has raised concerns about its potential to undermine environmental regulations.
- Depenalization and Fined: The law significantly reduces penalties for environmental violations, introducing a flat fine of €450 for unintentional damage.
- Agroforestry Provisions: Environmentalists have condemned the exclusion of the term "agroforestry" from the law, despite its importance for sustainable farming practices.
Government Response:
Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard defended the bill, stating that it addresses the pressing needs of farmers. She emphasized that the final text retains significant elements adopted by the Senate.
Political Reactions:
The law has been met with mixed reactions from political parties:
- Left-Wing: The left has strongly opposed the bill, accusing the government of abandoning its environmental commitments.
- Right-Wing: Proponents of the law, including conservative senators, have hailed it as a necessary step to support farmers and protect French agriculture.
- Center: The National Rally, a far-right party, has joined the government in backing the bill.
Agricultural Significance:
The agricultural orientation law is a significant development for the French agricultural sector. It aims to address challenges faced by farmers, including the need for intergenerational transfer of farms and the impact of environmental regulations. However, its environmental implications remain a subject of debate and concern.
