France's Agricultural Reform Law Passed Ahead of 2025 Salon de l’Agriculture

The new legislation aims to address farmer grievances but faces criticism over environmental concessions and limited focus on income issues.

The French Parliament finalized the Agricultural Reform Law just days before the 2025 Salon de l’Agriculture, presenting it as a response to farmers' protests over the past year.
The law designates agriculture as an 'interest general majeur' to protect France's food sovereignty and support agricultural transitions, including generational renewal and sustainability efforts.
Key provisions include mandatory origin labeling for food products, streamlined processes for new farmer installations, and funding for agricultural education and veterinary training.
Environmental groups and left-wing critics argue the law represents a regression, citing relaxed penalties for environmental violations and provisions favoring pesticide use without viable alternatives.
Farmers' unions have expressed mixed reactions, acknowledging the law's necessity but highlighting its failure to adequately address income stability and the economic challenges faced by small-scale producers.