Bruno Retailleau Launches Campaign to Revitalize French Agriculture by Reducing Regulations

Bruno Retailleau, leader of the Republicans (LR) party, has unveiled a comprehensive agricultural program aimed at restoring France's position as the leading agricultural power in Europe. In a press conference, Retailleau declared a 'war' on what he termed the 'culture of blocking'—a reference to excessive regulatory hurdles and opposition that impede agricultural productivity. His plan includes abolishing the Office français de la biodiversité (OFB), which oversees environmental regulations, to reduce the regulatory burden on farmers.

Retailleau's program is anchored on three main pillars: regaining political control over agriculture, liberating farmers' access to production means, and ensuring a dignified and sustainable income for farmers. He warned against allowing agriculture to suffer a fate similar to the industrial sector, emphasizing the need for pragmatic policies that support farmers' livelihoods.

Euro-deputy Céline Imart and deputy Julien Dive joined Retailleau in presenting the program. Imart highlighted intentions to eliminate public subsidies to organizations that criticize the agricultural sector, while Dive emphasized the commitment to abolish the "zero net artificialization" (ZAN) policy, which restricts land use for agriculture in favor of environmental preservation.

Retailleau also stressed the necessity of aligning French agricultural regulations with European standards to avoid overregulation that would disadvantage French farmers. He denounced the ongoing "agribashing"—a "methodical war" against farmers—and pledged to restore respect and increase their incomes through policy reforms.