The first internal dispute of the Macron administration showcased the contrasting views of France’s agriculture and environment ministers over a law that bans the use of neonicotinoid insecticides starting in 2018, said the site Phys.org. Prime Minister Edouard Phillippe settled the issue by saying, “The government has decided not to roll back the provisions of the 2016 law.”
In a split that mirrors U.S. politics, the agriculture minister, Stephane Travert, lobbied to relax the ban, which he said exceeded EU-wide regulations. The environment minister, Nicolas Hulot, said, “Where health is at risk, I won’t make any concessions.” Studies say neonicotinoids harm important pollinating insects, such as honeybees. Chemical companies contend the insecticides are safe when used properly.
“Farmers’ representatives claim there is no cost-effective alternative to neonicotinoids, a pesticide based on the chemical structure of nicotine that targets insects’ nervous systems,” said Phys.org. The 2016 French law that bans “neonics” takes effect on Sept. 1, 2018, with exemptions allowed until July 2020. Travert advocated the generous use of exemption authority “so our farmers continue to operation successfully.”