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Marseille Prosecutor Seeks Prison Terms in Trial Over Banned Pesticide Network

The case centers on unauthorized farm chemicals allegedly imported from Spain for produce sold by major retailers.

Overview

  • Prosecutor Michel Sastre on January 14 requested 10 months in prison, a €65,000 fine, and a professional ban for supplier Alain H., 78.
  • For grower Didier C., 58, who cultivates about 2,000 hectares and supplies brands including Bonduelle and Florette and retailers such as Lidl, Leclerc, Intermarché and Super U, the prosecution sought 6 months in prison, a €40,000 fine, and €80,000 against his company SCEA REVENY.
  • Five other farmers and their companies face requested suspended sentences of 4 to 8 months and fines ranging from €15,000 to €40,000 for individuals and €5,000 to €40,000 for firms.
  • Investigators say the trafficking spanned 2018 to 2024, with 2022–2023 searches seizing about 3.5 tonnes of products lacking French marketing authorization.
  • Defense attorneys disputed the evidence as insufficient and asked for acquittals, and the court scheduled its decision for April 7.