France reinstates two pesticides harmful to bees, sparking outrage among beekeepers.

France has reinstated two pesticides, acetamiprid and flupyradifurone, which many scientists and beekeepers warn are harmful to pollinators, reigniting a long-standing debate. For beekeepers, this decision threatens their livelihoods and the already strained food systems and ecosystems. Recently, parliament approved a bill allowing Anses, the country's food and environmental safety agency, to grant exemptions for these chemicals, which were previously banned nationally despite being permitted under EU regulations. The pesticides may be used against aphid-related diseases in crops like sugar beet, apples, hazelnuts, and cherries. The Senate passed the measure with a vote of 214 to 111 after it cleared the lower house. Proponents, including the FNSEA, France's largest farmers' union, argue that French farmers need support to compete with other European growers.