France has banned foods from its “pesticide blacklist”. An indirect blow to Mercosur

In France, a ban on the import of products containing five pesticides banned in the European Union came into force on Wednesday. These include mancozeb, thiophanate-methyl, carbendazim, benomyl and glufosinate. The ban was introduced for a year, and the European Commission still needs to consent.

The decision entered into force upon publication in the official journal – Journal Officiel. It is consistent with the government's announcements regarding its response to the concerns of farmers in France regarding the EU agreement and the South American Mercosur bloc.

Five substances on the blacklist

It also requires food businesses to be inspected to ensure that imported products do not contain banned substances.

The French Ministry of Agriculture assured at the beginning of the week that the decision is not directed against South America, but against all countries that use the above-mentioned pesticides to protect fruit and vegetables. However, due to the type of products, the ban in practice largely applies to this continent.

Isn't this an attack on South American agriculture?

Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard told BFMTV the ban was a “victory for France.” The head of the ministry has been insisting for months that the EU should harmonize the rules on pesticides and that the import of products should comply with EU standards.

The free trade agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur bloc is to introduce trade preferences for selected agricultural products from Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. In return, Mercosur is to open up to the EU industry. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wanted to officially sign the agreement in Brazil at the end of December, but did not receive the necessary support from EU member states.

The agreement is perceived by the European Commission and some EU countries as an opportunity to diversify trading partners in the face of the increasingly assertive attitude of the United States and China. Poland and France are opposed to the agreement, and Italy is also skeptical about the agreement.

From Paris Anna Wróbel (PAP)

awl/ap/