To ban or not to ban? What future for pesticides and GMOs in the EU? (part 1)
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As dozens of French mayors unilaterally ban pesticides in their local areas, we're asking why they're taking on the farmers' lobby, what impact a large-scale ban could have on consumers and producers, and whether workable alternatives exist.
French Agriculture Minister Didier Guillaume tells Catherine Nicholson why he believes a transition to lower-chemical farming is essential and how he thinks it can be achieved.
Meanwhile, Green MEP – and organic farmer himself - Benoît Biteau tells us why what he learnt converting his father's farm to greener practices can be replicated.
In our reports, we meet some of the mayors who have banned pesticides around their towns and find out more about the conflict with the farming community. We also meet French farmers who are testing how to reduce their dependence on chemical pesticides.
>> Click here to watch the second part of the show
Show presented by Catherine Nicholson
Produced by Johan Bodin
Filmed on location by Stéphane Bodenne
With Luke Brown, Céline Schmitt and Mathilde Bénézet.
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Measures co-financed by the European Union.
This publication reflects solely the work of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use made of the information contained therein.
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