Answer: The French State, most sadly. Both chambers voted in favour of a U-turn in environmental and public health protections, aptly named Loi Duplomb (Lead Law!) that sees
- Authorising anew neonicotinoïds, that are proven harmful to biodiversity and human health, which are nearly banned by the EU
- Allowing agents to being simultaneously pesticide advisor and provider
- Removing limitations on megafarm sizes and limiting public consultations on new projects
- Promoting water storage projects (so-called megabasins) that increase water shortage and only benefit intensive agriculture
- Introducing local supervision of the State Biodiversity Office (OFB) and imposing body cameras on its inspectors (some of whom were killed by farmers)
- Increasing political control on the State Food Security Agency (ANSA) about its judgements on phytopharmaceutical products
The new law gets its name of a right-wing senator and farmer, with the heavy support of the agroindustrial lobby (FNSEA). And was voted with the support of the far-right, right and most of the central block parties, catering to their farming voters. Spray, baby, spray….!
