The French government continues to oppose the re-licensing of glyphosate. Glyphosate’s temporary license is up for renewal by the end of this year.

French President Emmanuel Macron’s electoral manifesto earlier this year included “the gradual phasing out of pesticides, starting with those posing a risk to biodiversity or health, and the development of alternatives”. Macron has adopted largely pro-business policies since entering office and is not expected to impose a brutal ban on sprays. He may however try to influence European policy in a way that would help position France’s large chemical industry as a leader in next generation, bio-based pesticides.