The measure is intended to ensure that imported agricultural products meet the same standards as food produced in France. The EU has had this plan for several years but has yet to implement it.
French Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard said on Sunday that a new decree will suspend the import of foods in which banned substances are detected. According to her, this will apply to all products from outside the European Union.
These are substances that are not allowed in agriculture within Europe. Products found to contain traces of these agents will no longer be allowed on the French market. Paris will need authorization from the European Commission for this.
The proposed measure could affect imports of various products. Mentioned are melons, apples, apricots, cherries, strawberries, grapes, and potatoes. Avocados, mangoes, guavas, and certain citrus fruits may also only be imported if they meet French standards.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu stated that France will no longer make exceptions. Any imported product containing residues of banned weed or fungicides will be rejected.
The tightened approach is not isolated. Farmers in France and other European countries have been protesting for many months against plans for a trade agreement between the European Union and the South American Mercosur bloc, likely later this month. They fear unfair competition from products they believe do not comply with the same environmental rules.
Besides the trade dossier, French farmers are also uneasy about measures concerning an ongoing cattle disease affecting bovines. This contagious disease has already hit the herds of dozens of French livestock farmers.
According to Genevard, the European Commission must ensure the same rules are applied across Europe. France wants to demonstrate with the decree that it remains committed to its standards for food safety and agriculture.
The Agriculture Ministers of the 27 EU countries will meet urgently on Wednesday in Brussels to discuss what commitments can still be made to EU farmers, and how to persuade hesitant Italy to come on board.