In response to increasing dissatisfaction among farmers, Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard unveiled a plan to ease regulatory burdens on the agricultural sector. Key initiatives include establishing a ‘Council for the Orientation of Crop Protection’ to prioritize urgent market authorization requests and improve coordination among ministries. Genevard emphasized the importance of expediting processes for sectors in crisis while maintaining Anses’ autonomy. Additionally, she pledged to enhance dialogue with farmers and streamline livestock project applications, aiming to remove barriers to production.
In response to growing agricultural discontent, Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard announced a comprehensive plan on Saturday aimed at alleviating what she describes as the ‘burdens’ hindering the agricultural sector. This initiative seeks to address the mounting frustrations expressed by farmers regarding excessive prohibitions, processes, and standards.
“Farmers are increasingly frustrated with the numerous restrictions and regulations placed upon them,” she stated in an interview with AFP. “These issues have escalated to a level that threatens the competitiveness of farms.”
To combat these challenges, Minister Genevard outlined several key measures, including the establishment of a ‘Council for the Orientation of Crop Protection.’ This council, created by decree and chaired by the minister, will include representatives from various stakeholders such as farmers, research institutions, and manufacturers of plant protection products.
Council’s Objectives and Priorities
The primary aim of this newly formed council is to ensure that the Health Safety Agency (Anses) prioritizes the processing of market authorization requests for agricultural inputs based on the immediate needs of different agricultural sectors. In essence, Anses will focus on addressing urgent requirements for specific crops.
“We expect Anses to concentrate on orphaned or inadequately serviced applications,” the minister emphasized. Phytopharmaceutical companies will contribute their ‘technical expertise’ as they are the primary developers of these products.
However, Genevard clarified that the ultimate decisions regarding authorizations or prohibitions will remain independent with Anses, which is an autonomous agency. “The transition towards reduced pesticide use is a path we cannot reverse. Yet, for the sectors currently facing crises, it is crucial for Anses to expedite its processes to provide timely assistance,” she explained.
Additionally, the decree aims to enhance communication among ministries regarding Anses’ decision-making projects and to encourage the mutual recognition of products already authorized at the European level.
Anses has faced scrutiny from various unions due to its actions in banning or restricting certain pesticides ahead of similar measures in the EU. The FNSEA and Young Farmers welcomed these recent announcements, stating they are a step in the right direction. However, they stressed that the journey towards simplification is far from over and farmers are eager for immediate implementation to see tangible changes in their daily operations.
Fostering Dialogue and Addressing Farmer Concerns
During her visit to a dairy farm in Loiret, where she engaged with approximately twenty farmers, Minister Genevard reiterated her commitment to addressing their concerns. “In these challenging times, I want to stand by your side,” she remarked. “We are risking losing the fundamental essence of farming.” She underscored the urgency of re-establishing dialogue within the agricultural community.
Concerning the French Office of Biodiversity (OFB), which is tasked with environmental oversight and may encounter armed individuals, Genevard emphasized the need for immediate measures to ensure the discretion of weapons during inspections, citing this as a significant source of irritation for farmers.
Moreover, there will be a gradual rollout of body cameras for agents as part of the operational improvements. This announcement coincides with the OFB board’s request for the government to reassess planned job cuts and budget reductions for 2025.
Additional measures include issuing a circular to prefects aimed at streamlining the processing of livestock project applications, expediting timelines, and prioritizing inspections for new operations.
To further enhance collaboration, Genevard has committed to holding monthly meetings with unions to focus on ‘simplification.’ Her goal is to systematically eliminate all barriers to agricultural production.