French senators have submitted a draft law that would allow temporary exceptions for acetamiprid and flupyradifuron in selected crops. The Council of State points out deficiencies in the risk assessment and calls for a scientific analysis before granting exemptions, citing the precautionary principle. Acetamiprid and flupyradifuron are approved at the EU level, but France has maintained a broader ban on neonicotinoids since 2018 and has been using emergency authorizations. As reported by Agrarheute, French farmers may soon be able to obtain permission again to use plant protection products containing active substances from the neonicotinoid group and beyond. What is at stake? Return of pesticides A group of senators led by Laurent Duhamel developed a draft law and submitted it to the Council of State, which functions as the highest administrative court and advises the government on legal matters. It is about exemptions for active substances such as acetamiprid and flupyradifuron. ...