Overview

• The Conseil constitutionnel censured 14 articles entirely and partially invalidated 3 others in the Loi d’orientation agricole, adopted in February 2025.
• Key provisions struck down include the principle of 'non-régression de la souveraineté alimentaire' and limits on agricultural regulations exceeding European standards.
• Environmental NGOs criticized the law for weakening environmental protections, including depenalizing 'non-intentional' environmental violations, which were also censured.
• The law's main principle of elevating agriculture to a 'major public interest' remains intact despite the constitutional challenges.
• This decision marks the first major ruling under Richard Ferrand's presidency of the Conseil constitutionnel, highlighting tensions between agriculture and environmental priorities.