The French Senate began examining an amendment on Monday, June 29, 2026 [1], that could reauthorize the use of the pesticide acetamipride.
This move represents a significant shift in environmental policy, pitting immediate agricultural economic needs against long-term public health and biodiversity protections. The pesticide, a neonicotinoid, had been banned in France since 2025 [2].
The proposal is part of a broader agricultural emergency bill. The specific amendment targets two phytosanitary products [3]. The government said the reintroduction is necessary to address an economic and agricultural emergency by providing farmers with a tool deemed effective for crop protection [4].
However, the move has faced sharp criticism from the scientific community and health associations. Jean-Marc Bonmatin, a CNRS researcher, chemist, and toxicologist, said the possible reintroduction of acetamipride in France will create serious and deadly diseases among citizens [5].
Environmental groups have also raised alarms regarding the impact on pollinators. A spokesperson for the Ligue pour la Protection des Insectes said acetamipride is a bee-killing pesticide that threatens biodiversity [6].
The debate has reached a level of intensity that some observers describe as a systemic challenge. A collective tribune from patient associations and learned societies said the vote of the senators will constitute a real test for democratic institutions [7].
While the examination of the bill began on June 29 [1], some reports indicate the debate may intensify further on Wednesday, June 30 [8].
“The possible reintroduction of acetamipride in France will create serious and deadly diseases among citizens.”
The decision by the French Senate will signal whether the government prioritizes short-term crop yield and economic stability over the 'precautionary principle' that led to the 2025 ban. If passed, the derogation could set a legal precedent for the return of other banned neonicotinoids, potentially reversing years of European efforts to protect pollinator populations and reduce chemical exposure in the food chain.
