Overview

• The FNSEA and Jeunes Agriculteurs have announced nationwide protests beginning May 26 to demand the restoration of provisions in a key agricultural reform bill.
• FNSEA president Arnaud Rousseau described a 'feeling of betrayal' among farmers, citing the government's failure to deliver on promises made after last year's crisis.
• The Senate-approved bill, introduced by Senator Laurent Duplomb, aimed to ease constraints on farmers but has been significantly altered in Assembly committees, removing key measures on water storage and pesticide access.
• While FNSEA and Jeunes Agriculteurs are mobilizing, other unions like Coordination rurale have expressed concerns but stopped short of calling for protests, and Confédération paysanne opposes the bill entirely.
• Environmental NGOs, including Générations Futures, have condemned the reintroduction of neonicotinoids, citing risks to pollinators, while farmers argue the pesticides are necessary for certain crops.