France lifts ban on heated greenhouse-grown veggies

Added on 06 July 2023

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France lifts ban on heated greenhouse-grown veggies

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.