FRANCE: Ecophyto II+, update and improvement of Ecophyto II

Version II+ of Ecophyto plan, updating and improving Ecophyto II, was examined during the Strategic Orientation Committee (COS) of 27 July 2018. This new version features the actions planned in the French action plan of 25 April 2018 on plant protection products and on a less pesticide-dependent agriculture  and in the French action plan of 22 June 2018 for a ban of glyphosate within three years .

Among the issues, the ministers notably announced that, in a first step, renewals of authorisations of glyphosate-based products will only be obtained for a maximum period of three years. Besides, the uses for which comparative assessments will underline that non-chemical alternative solutions are available and are commonly used, will be banned progressively.

With regard to neonicotinoids, ministers indicated that only few exemptions to the ban are envisaged. Those exemptions will only concern acetamiprid-based products, for low volumes and after a comprehensive risk assessment.

The public consultation for Ecophyto II+, initially announced for July 2018, will be held in Autumn 2018. The plan is expected to be published by the end of 2018.

To download:

Press release of 27 July 2018 – Strategic orientation committee of Ecophyto plan (in French)

See also our previous articles:

FRANCE: Action plan for plant protection products

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