French Organic Winegrowers Confront Stricter Limits on Copper Fungicides Amid Safety Concerns

French organic wine producers are facing new difficulties after the country’s food safety authority, Anses, decided not to renew approval for 20 copper-based fungicides. The decision, which was made public in recent weeks, affects a wide range of products that have been essential for controlling downy mildew in vineyards. Among the products removed from the market are well-known brands such as Kocide 2000 and Kocide Flow. Only two copper-based fungicides, Champ Flo Ampli and Héliocuivre, remain authorized for use, but under much stricter conditions.

The move comes after Anses reviewed the available safety data and concluded that it could not rule out health risks for vineyard workers who handle these substances. The agency stated that manufacturers had not provided enough evidence to demonstrate that their products were safe for users. As a result, Anses has placed the responsibility on distributors to prove that their products do not pose unacceptable risks.

Under the new regulations, organic growers are limited to using a maximum of four kilograms of copper per hectare per year. There must be at least seven days between applications, and there are additional restrictions on using these products near residential areas and waterways. Treatments are also banned during the flowering period of the vines.

The decision has drawn criticism from many in the wine industry. Powder-based copper fungicides, which are generally less expensive than liquid alternatives, will be withdrawn from 2026. Many growers had returned to these powder formulations in recent years due to financial pressures. Nicolas Constant, an organic consultant at the French vine and wine institute IFV, noted that previous restrictions on copper use were justified by environmental concerns, but now Anses is focusing on risks to workers.

Some industry figures outside France have expressed skepticism about the new rules. Georg Forster, chairman of the German organic association Ecovin, said he did not understand the justification for banning these products on safety grounds. He pointed out that efforts have been made to reduce copper use in vineyards and called for alternative treatments such as potassium phosphonate to be approved.

In France, however, anxiety is growing among organic producers. François Garcia from the agricultural chamber of Hérault described copper as indispensable in organic farming and warned that the new restrictions could have serious consequences for growers. The trade body SudVinBio has cautioned that some producers may be forced to abandon organic practices altogether if they cannot find effective alternatives.

Data from the Itab Institute shows that French organic growers used an average of 3.72 kilograms of copper per hectare in 2024. However, usage was higher in certain regions such as Nouvelle-Aquitaine (4.8 kg/ha), Champagne (4.55 kg/ha), and Burgundy (4.3 kg/ha). These figures suggest that many producers will need to make significant changes to comply with the new limits.

Looking ahead, IFV reports that 17 copper-based fungicides will still be available for use during the 2026 vintage under current rules. However, their approval is also set to expire soon. If Anses applies similar criteria when reviewing these products, experts warn that even more options could disappear from the market in the near future.

The changes come at a time when French winegrowers are already facing challenges from climate change and shifting consumer preferences. The loss of key tools for disease control adds another layer of uncertainty for those committed to organic production methods. Many in the industry are now calling for more research into alternative treatments and greater support from regulators as they adapt to these new requirements.