French Beekeepers Furious as Pesticides Ban Is Lifted – What It 2026

French beekeepers are furious after parliament approved a bill reauthorizing two banned pesticides that scientists say can poison bees. The decision to lift the ban on acetamiprid and flupyradifurone has sparked outrage among environmentalists and beekeepers alike, who call it scandalous, irrational, and irresponsible.

The Pesticides Controversy

The law, passed on Tuesday, allows France's food and environmental safety agency, Anses, to grant waivers for using these pesticides in struggling farm sectors and under exceptional circumstances. The pesticides had been banned in France but are still allowed in the European Union. The reauthorization aims to combat aphid-borne diseases that can ruin crops of sugar beet, apples, hazelnuts, and cherries.

Beekeepers argue that this move prioritizes agricultural competitiveness over biodiversity. Henri Clément, a beekeeper in southern Lozère and spokesperson for the French beekeeping association UNAF, said the measure was an absolute disaster for the sector and biodiversity as a whole. He warned of very high mortality rates and reduced harvests for bees.

Scientific Evidence on Bee Safety

Scientific studies have established that acetamiprid, a neonicotinoid with powerful neurotoxic effects, can poison bees, affecting their foraging capacity and memory. A 2024 study suggested that flupyradifurone could be lethal to some honeybees. The reauthorization directly contradicts expert warnings.

Why Beekeepers Are Outraged

Beekeepers like Carolyn Bouguet from Essonne expressed deep frustration, noting that bee populations have already been compromised by climate change, new parasites, and habitat loss. Greenpeace France described the legislation as deeply concerning and a disgrace, accusing the government of trampling on science, health, and the environment.

• French beekeepers face increased mortality risks for their hives.
• The decision threatens biodiversity and crop pollination.
• Environmental groups call for immediate reversal of the ban lift.
• France's environment minister resigned in protest.

Implications for French Agriculture

The reauthorization is intended to help farmers combat aphid-borne diseases affecting sugar beet, apples, hazelnuts, and cherries. Producers claim they cannot compete with European rivals who use these pesticides. However, opponents argue that short-term gains will lead to long-term ecological damage and reduced crop yields as pollinators decline.

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