Deputies approved the emergency agricultural bill in committee on Wednesday, addressing water storage, livestock and pesticides. The text will be debated in the Assembly from May 19.
The bill, presented as a response to last winter's farmer protests, was approved by the Economic Affairs committee. It includes provisions allowing the Agriculture minister to block imports of products with pesticide residues banned in the European Union.
An amendment from La France insoumise, the ecologists and the Rassemblement national removed the serious health risk condition. Co-rapporteur Julien Dive raised concerns about compatibility with European law. Minister Annie Genevard defended concrete measures requested by farmers.
On livestock, the government will be able to legislate by ordinance to ease environmental permits for farm buildings. The water section removes the public meeting requirement for storage projects. A penal section strengthens penalties for thefts and damage on farms.
