Glyphosate is fatal to French minister

His lost position on glyphosate, among other things, has proved fatal for French Environment Minister Nicolas Hulot. At least that applies to his career in President Macron's cabinet. Hulot says he is disappointed in the goals of his ministry that have not been achieved.

About 1 year after his appointment, Nicolas Hulot, Minister of the Environment and ex-environmental activist, announces his resignation on the radio. French President Macron was not informed. Hulot says to be disappointed that little progress has been made on climate change. In addition to reducing the CO₂emissions, lowering nuclear power and the French hunting law, the debate surrounding glyphosate has also played an important role.

From 3 to 5 years
Hulot argued for a 3-year license renewal for the use of glyphosate in the European Union. Agriculture minister Stéphane Travert was counting on an extension of 7 years. It eventually became 5 years, but France voted against. This is because the former German minister Christian Schmidt committed a coup. However, the extension was finally granted in the European Parliament. Previously, it always backfired on France's 'no vote' and Germany's abstention from voting. The 2 countries can make or break an award.

Hulot regrets that French politicians and Europe have not listened to citizens' voices, who opposed a 5-year extension. Macron initially supported Hulot in his 3-year plan. Subsequently, the environment minister tried to ban the use of glyphosate at the national level. However, the proposal was voted down at the end of May. Hulot was disappointed in the government, he said.

Illusions
Hulot believes the government is influenced by the lobbying of chemical companies. "Have we reduced the use of crop protection products? The answer is no," he said after announcing his resignation. "With my presence in the cabinet, I do not want to give citizens the illusion that this item is high on the agenda of the current government."

_{Photo: Frederic Legrand - COMEO/Shutterstock.com}

Niels van der Boom

Niels van der Boom is a senior market specialist for arable crops at DCA Market Intelligence. He mainly makes analyses and market updates about the potato market. In columns he shares his sharp view on the arable sector and technology.

n.vanderboom@boerenbusiness. Nl

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