The long-awaited draft orientation law on agriculture is set to be discussed at the Council of Ministers for adoption in the summer. This text has been revised after the agricultural crisis to address farmers’ demands, who have been critical of red tape and certain environmental standards. The political journey leading up to this moment has been tumultuous, with Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announcing over 400 million euros in emergency aid and opening discussions on 67 “commitments” with farmers to emphasize the importance of agriculture.
One of the key aspects of the new law is the recognition of agriculture and fishing as being of “major general interest” alongside aquaculture. This designation is intended to guide decisions on agricultural projects and disputes, ensuring that public policies contribute to enhancing food security without burdening farmers. The aim is to strengthen France’s food sovereignty while maintaining its export markets for products like cereals, wines, and dairy.
The bill also addresses the challenges of attracting new workers to the agricultural sector, as well as adapting production systems to climate change. It includes the creation of a new agro bachelor diploma and a national network for agricultural services to support new installations. Furthermore, it allows for the formation of agricultural land investment groups to facilitate access to land for new farmers.
In cases of litigation related to irrigation projects and livestock buildings, procedural delays will be reduced under this proposed law. In cases of environmental damage, criminal sanctions will be replaced with administrative penalties to encourage ecological restoration rather than punitive measures. Additionally, efforts will be made to simplify regulations regarding hedge planting and preservation in order to promote biodiversity and environmental protection.
Overall, this draft law aims
