French lawmakers approved a sweeping emergency agriculture bill on Tuesday that could allow for the temporary reintroduction of two pesticides. Although these insecticides are banned in France, they are authorized in the European Union, despite being accused of harming bees.
Proponents of the measure argue that struggling farmers need the insecticides to help them compete with their European counterparts.
The legislation has prompted backlash from pro-environment groups, who have vowed to challenge the bill. Monique Barbut also voiced her disagreement with the agriculture law.