Duplomb Law: Thousands of opponents of the text mobilized this weekend in France

The text, which notably provides for the reintroduction of the pesticide acetamiprid, is to be examined on Monday by the joint committee, with the aim of finding a compromise text.

Farmers, NGOs, scientists... Thousands of opponents of the so-called Duplomb agricultural bill rallied across France this weekend to demand the cancellation of this bill, which is scheduled to be examined by a joint committee on Monday, June 30. This committee, which will bring together 14 senators and deputies, will be tasked with finding a compromise text, following a tactical rejection of the bill aimed at circumventing a wall of amendments from environmentalists and rebels.

"This is an anti-democratic coup to pass this law, which is a radical regression" for both the environment and public health, as well as a "denial of the scientific facts on the dangers of pesticides," declared the Scientists in Rebellion committee, present on Sunday on the Esplanade des Invalides in Paris.

According to the Nourrir collective, which brings together dozens of environmental protection NGOs (Greenpeace, WWF, Générations Futures, etc.), which initiated the call for the weekend mobilization, including the Confédération paysanne, the CGT, and Cancer Colère, around a thousand people gathered in Paris, and several hundred others were also present in 50 cities, including Creil (Oise), Cherbourg (Manche), and Strasbourg.

The bill by LR Senator Laurent Duplomb is presented as intended to "remove constraints" on farmers. It notably provides for the reintroduction of the pesticide acetamiprid (a neonicotinoid that is highly toxic, particularly to pollinators and natural environments), as well as measures to facilitate water storage and the expansion of intensive livestock farms, as well as a redefinition of the work of ANSES.

"No, farmers are not behind this law which in no way addresses the difficulties of the agricultural world" and "goes against the general interest" , chanted Stéphane Galais, spokesperson for the Confédération paysanne and cattle breeder in Brittany, from the Parisian podium, amidst banners displaying "Duplomb law, poison law". "The Duplomb law is dangerous and retrograde" , also hammered Xavier Fromont, spokesperson for the union for the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, on Sunday during a gathering of 600 people dressed in yellow and black in Puy-en-Velay, stronghold of Senator Duplomb.