The agricultural law of the second term of Emmanuel Macron is finally making progress. This law, which has been delayed several times and partly rewritten after the agricultural crisis earlier this year, is titled “Law on the direction of agricultural sovereignty and the renewal of generations in agriculture”. It contains nineteen articles focused on three main areas – sovereignty, installation, and simplification. The law emphasizes the declaration of “major public interest” in agriculture, fishing, and aquaculture, as promised by the President at the Salon de l’agriculture in February. The law is set to be examined by the National Assembly in May and the Senate in June.
The declaration of major public interest in agriculture is seen as a long-term strategy to align agricultural policies with environmental concerns. While it may not have an immediate impact, it aims to place agriculture on an equal footing with the environment. However, some organizations are concerned about potential conflicts between agricultural imperatives and public health. The government aims to enforce the protection of food sovereignty without clearly defining the concept in the law. The law states that the State must ensure its ability to guarantee food supply within the EU market and international commitments, as well as sustainable biomass production in the country.
The definition of food sovereignty remains ambiguous in the law, leaving room for parliamentarians to further define its parameters. Some critics argue that the proposed framework does not align with the United Nations’ definition of food sovereignty, which includes fundamental human rights. The law places food sovereignty as a guiding principle in public policy, but lacks clarity on how it will be implemented. The debate surrounding the definition of food sovereignty is ongoing among stakeholders in the agricultural sector, with differing perspectives on its implications and scope.
The law also addresses the issue of agricultural succession and simplification of administrative procedures in the agricultural sector. It aims to encourage the renewal of generations in agriculture and facilitate the transfer of farms from one generation to another. However, the specifics of these measures and their implementation remain to be seen. The law is expected to undergo further scrutiny and amendments as it progresses through the legislative process in the coming months.
Overall, the agricultural law of Emmanuel Macron’s second term focuses on key aspects of sovereignty, installation, and simplification in the agricultural sector. It seeks to address the challenges faced by the agricultural industry, promote sustainable practices, and ensure food security in the country. The law reflects the government’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector and fostering the next generation of farmers. As it moves through the legislative process, stakeholders will continue to engage in discussions and debates to shape the future of agriculture in France.
