French Winegrowers Protest Loss of Key Copper Products After Regulatory Crackdown

French winegrowers are raising concerns about new restrictions on copper-based products, which have long been essential tools in both organic and conventional viticulture. The issue came to the forefront after 17 copper-containing products failed to receive renewed authorization for market use in July. According to the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (Anses), manufacturers did not provide sufficient data regarding the impact of these products. The decision will take effect in 2027.

Only two copper-based products were reauthorized, but with stricter usage conditions. Ten others remain available, while seven are awaiting a decision from the Italian health agency before Anses makes its final ruling. Representatives from the wine sector say they are worried about losing access to a full range of copper products and criticize new restrictions, especially those limiting application frequency to once every seven days.

Copper has been a key element in fighting downy mildew, a persistent fungal disease in vineyards that becomes more severe during wet years. Pierre-Henri Cosyns, a winegrower from the National Federation of Organic Agriculture (FNAB), told reporters that copper has been at the core of French viticulture for the past 150 years. He noted that the sector has already halved its copper use over the last two decades.

Bernard Farges, representing the National Committee of Wine Interprofessions (CNIV), pointed out that climate change is bringing more humidity, which increases the need for copper treatments. He described the new restrictions as an “incomprehensible punishment,” especially as winegrowers are already working to reduce chemical inputs amid economic challenges.

Cosyns warned that some organic winegrowers might abandon their practices if copper options become too limited. Currently, organic vineyards account for 20% of France’s total vineyard area. FNAB, France Vin Bio, and the National Confederation of AOC Wine Producers (CNAOC) are calling on public authorities to intervene and plan to join legal actions initiated by product manufacturers.

Anses maintains that copper is a trace element with proven toxicity above certain levels. Charlotte Grastilleur, deputy director general at Anses, explained that there are reference toxicological values and that their goal is to assess whether these limits are reached through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion by consumers. She said that manufacturers had not provided all necessary information regarding compliance, residue limits, and worker exposure but could still submit additional documentation for review.

The debate highlights ongoing tensions between environmental safety regulations and agricultural practices in France’s wine industry. As regulatory decisions move forward, both producers and authorities face pressure to balance public health concerns with the realities of vineyard management.