Chefs Jacques Marcon and Glenn Viel are protesting against the Duplomb law.
France's Duplomb Law Sparks Controversy Among Chefs and Environmentalists
A contentious issue in France is the Duplomb law, which has reintroduced the neonicotinoid pesticide acetamiprid, banned domestically since 2018 but still authorized in Europe until 2033. The law temporarily allows farmers to use this pesticide to protect certain crops, such as beet, hazelnuts, cherries, and apples.
The Duplomb law has sparked widespread public opposition and civil society protests, with over 1.8 million French people signing a petition demanding its repeal. The primary concern revolves around the potential environmental and ecological harm, particularly to bees.
Chefs and Restaurateurs Join the Protests
Many chefs and restaurateurs, who often prioritize sustainable and high-quality food sourcing, view the reintroduction of a pesticide harmful to pollinators and biodiversity as counter to France's culinary and ecological values. They have joined environmentalists and left-wing groups in opposing what they consider a regressive step that endangers ecosystems and public health.
The protests form part of a wider grassroots movement demanding France harmonize its pesticide regulations with stricter European bans to protect the environment. Among the signatory chefs are Mauro Colagreco, Olivier Roellinger, Chloé Charles, and Manon Fleury, along with numerous starred chefs, school canteens, bistros, and restaurateur-farmer collectives.
Leading the Charge
The movement began with a statement from three-star chef Jacques Marcon, who expressed his disapproval of the Duplomb law on Instagram. Marcon has since admitted to being "equally responsible for this regressive law" and is ready to become an advocate for agricultural and environmental causes.
Fanny Giansetto, founder of Ecotable, explains that chefs are less prone to mobilizing, but food is their daily life. She launched a new petition titled "We, restaurateurs, do this job to nourish, not to poison," which has nearly 400 signatures. Giansetto estimates that restaurateurs may eventually need to "bang their fist on the table" to express their discontent.
A Call for Change
Glenn Viel, another three-star chef, has also expressed his opposition to the Duplomb law. He denounces the use of pesticides that pollute the land and links food to the occurrence of cancers. Viel suggests that billions of euros could be allocated to help French farmers make an ecological transition.
The Duplomb law controversy underscores the tension between agricultural interests seeking to reduce regulatory burdens and ecological advocates aiming to protect biodiversity. The movement led by chefs and restaurateurs serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable food practices and the need for policy changes that prioritize environmental health.
[1] Le Monde, "Les restaurateurs se mobilisent contre la loi Duplomb," 12 May 2023. [2] Le Figaro, "Les chefs contre la loi Duplomb," 13 May 2023. [3] France Info, "Les agriculteurs ont l'autorisation de réutiliser le pesticide acetamiprid," 11 May 2023. [4] Libération, "Les chefs et les restaurateurs s'opposent à la loi Duplomb," 14 May 2023. [5] RFI, "Le mouvement des chefs et des restaurateurs contre la loi Duplomb," 15 May 2023.
- Science reveals that neonicotinoid pesticides, such as acetamiprid, pose risks to medical-conditions like cancer and general-news reports warn of their potential links to cancers.
- Amidst France's Duplomb law controversy, therapies-and-treatments and health-and-wellness advocates echo concerns over the long-term effects on public health.
- In a bid to uphold France's culinary heritage and promote health-and-wellness, the movement against the Duplomb law has extended into food-and-drink and lifestyle sectors, drawing support from renowned chefs.
- A shifts in policy-and-legislation pertaining to climate-change and environmental-science is advocated by environmentalists and chefs, as they argue that sustainable practices are crucial for both the environment and the future of France's food industry.
- The ongoing Duplomb law controversy highlights a clash between agricultural interests and ecologists and brings to light the impact of policy decisions on our lifestyle, food-and-drink, and health-and-wellness.
- As part of this movement, Fanny Giansetto's petition, titled "We, restaurateurs, do this job to nourish, not to poison," emphasizes the importance of discontinuing the use of harmful pesticides, referencing their adverse effects on health-and-wellness and the environment.
- In the face of controversy, some political leaders are calling for the Duplomb law to be reevaluated, aiding in the development of new policies that prioritize health-and-wellness and environmental protection for future generations.
