A decree dated March 16 and published in the Official Journal this Saturday regulates the import into France of cherries grown using phosmet. Fresh fruit from countries where this insecticide is authorized cannot be brought into France or sold, free of charge or for a fee. The ban is valid for one year from the entry into force of the text.
Phosmet is a phytosanitary product used to fight once morest Drosophila suzukii, a midge present in France for regarding ten years. At the beginning of 2022, the European Commission had stopped the registration of this pesticide. “Unacceptable risks” weighing on employees, residents but also consumers were then put forward.
Disgruntled arborists
This measure had provoked strong reactions from some French growers, worried regarding their crops in the face of the damage caused by Drosophila Suzukii. Demonstrations were organized last January. Fruit growers believe that the active substances that remain authorized are less effective and should be used in larger quantities.
In the recent decree, a derogation was provided for cherries from countries where phosmet is legal but which are grown using organic farming methods. The text specifies that “European rules relating to the organic production of cherries do not allow the use” of a product containing phosmet.