French farmers have taken to the streets in a series of symbolic actions across the country, aiming to support the Duplomb bill, which seeks to reintroduce the use of certain insecticides previously banned due to their harmful effects on pollinators. The mobilization, primarily in Ile-de-France, saw farmers installing banners near the National Assembly and setting up filtering blockades on major roads, including the N118 towards Paris, with minimal disruption to the public.

The Duplomb bill has sparked a heated debate, with proponents arguing it will alleviate the regulatory burdens on farmers, while opponents, including environmental groups, warn of the potential risks to bee populations and other pollinators. The bill's examination by deputies has been met with a flood of amendments, largely from ecological and left-wing factions, which supporters claim could dilute the bill's original intent.

Arnaud Rousseau, president of the FNSEA, France's main agricultural union, emphasized the peaceful and symbolic nature of the protests, stating the actions are not intended to block the capital or inconvenience the public. Instead, they aim to highlight the agricultural sector's challenges and the need for legislative support to ensure its sustainability and competitiveness.

As the debate over the Duplomb bill continues, the farmers' mobilization reflects the broader tensions between agricultural productivity and environmental protection. With actions planned across all departments until Wednesday, the movement underscores the agricultural community's determination to have its voice heard in the ongoing legislative process, amidst concerns over the future of farming practices and their ecological impact.