Law of August 11, 2025 Aimed at Removing Constraints on the Farming Profession

This French law, enacted on August 11, 2025, responds to longstanding demands from agricultural industry groups seeking to reduce regulatory burdens on farmers. It addresses several contentious areas of agricultural policy, including livestock farming projects, water reservoir ('bassines') construction, and oversight by the French Biodiversity Office (OFB). One of the most controversial provisions concerned the potential reauthorization of acetamiprid, a neonicotinoid insecticide that had been banned due to its harmful effects on pollinators. However, this provision was struck down by the Constitutional Council as unconstitutional and does not form part of the final enacted law. The law modifies rules governing the administrative approval process for large-scale livestock farming operations, aiming to streamline permitting and reduce delays. It also eases conditions for the construction and authorization of agricultural water storage basins ('mégabassines'), which are used for irrigation but have been the subject of major environmental protests in France. Additionally, the law places new limitations on the inspection and enforcement powers of the French Biodiversity Office (OFB), an agency responsible for environmental law enforcement in rural and natural areas. Critics argue these changes weaken environmental protections, while proponents say they reduce harassment of farmers during routine operations.

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