France’s parliament has approved legislation allowing the limited reintroduction of two pesticides previously banned due to their harmful effects on bee populations, sparking strong opposition from beekeepers and environmental groups.

The new law permits the use of acetamiprid and flupyradifurone in exceptional cases to combat aphid-borne diseases that threaten crops such as sugar beet, apples, hazelnuts, and cherries. Although both chemicals remain authorized at the European Union level, France had imposed stricter national restrictions until now. The change aims to support agricultural producers facing increased competition from European counterparts following the earlier bans.

Beekeeping advocates have reacted with frustration and alarm. Carolyn Bouguet, a beekeeper based in Essonne near Paris, described the decision as deeply disheartening amid ongoing challenges posed by climate change, parasites, and habitat loss. Henri Clément, a spokesperson for the French beekeeping association, called the reauthorization “an absolute disaster for our sector, and for biodiversity as a whole,” warning of potentially high bee mortality and reduced honey yields. He criticized the move as “scandalous, irrational and irresponsible,” noting that opposition to these pesticides has persisted for three decades.

Scientific research has demonstrated that acetamiprid, a neonicotinoid insecticide, negatively impacts bees’ neurological functions, impairing their ability to forage and remember. A 2024 study further indicated that flupyradifurone might be lethal to certain honeybee populations, raising concerns about long-term environmental consequences.

Environmental groups have also condemned the legislation. Greenpeace France accused the French government, led by centrist and right-wing coalition members, of disregarding scientific evidence, public health, and environmental protection in the decision. The organization labeled the move “deeply concerning” and “a disgrace.”

The controversy has affected government leadership as well. France’s environment minister, Monique Barbut, publicly referred to the law as “one environmental setback too many” and tendered her resignation in protest. However, after a meeting with President Emmanuel Macron, she agreed to remain in her position.

Official data indicate that French honey production declined by roughly 50% between the mid-1990s and mid-2010s, a period coinciding with the introduction of neonicotinoid pesticides. Experts attribute this drop to a combination of factors, including chemical exposure, loss of habitat, and climate change impacts.

The recent legislative shift marks a contentious chapter in the ongoing debate between agricultural interests and environmental conservation efforts in France.