In a landmark decision, the French Council of State has ruled against a ban on selling organic summer vegetables grown in heated greenhouses in France between December 21 and April 30. The decision, announced on June 28, 2023, has been acknowledged by the French Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty.
The ban, which was part of the French interpretation guide of the European Regulation (EU) 2018/848 on organic production, was deemed by the Council of State to place French producers in a legally disadvantageous position. The ruling stated that the ban distorted competition compared to imported products.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty has pledged to continue supporting organic farmers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase soil carbon storage. The minister also reiterated the commitment to advocate for environmentally respectful organic farming that aligns with consumer expectations and a harmonized European regulation within European institutions.
The decision has been seen as a significant development in the French agricultural sector, which has been grappling with the challenges of balancing environmental concerns with the economic realities of farming. The ruling is expected to significantly impact the organic farming industry in France, potentially leading to an increase in the production and availability of organic summer vegetables during the winter months.
The French Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty has yet to announce specific measures in response to the ruling. However, the commitment to continue supporting organic farmers and advocating for environmentally respectful farming practices suggests that the ministry will explore various strategies to ensure the sustainability and competitiveness of the French organic farming sector in the wake of this decision.
This news article is based on the decision announced by the French Council of State on June 28, 2023, and the subsequent statement by the French Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty.
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