French agrochemical sales in 2006 amounted to €1,721 million ($2,305 million), down by 8% over 2005, and representing a 20% drop compared with 1999. The French agrochemical industry association, the UIPP, attributes the decline to: structural changes, such as economic and agricultural developments; regulatory pressures; and unfavourable climatic or pest conditions. The drop in the amount of active substances sold in 2006 was "significant", the UIPP adds. Volumes fell by 9% compared with 2005, and by 40% against 1999.

The various product categories were affected differently by these factors, the UIPP notes. They hit herbicides and insecticides hardest.

However, figures for the agricultural year, from May 2006 until May 2007, indicated that the market has recovered some stability, the UIPP says. Fungicide sales rose by 5.3%, while the decline in herbicide sales was only 1.6% and insecticides just 3.7%. Seed treatments fell by 12.7%. Other products showed a 6.9% increase in sales.

The UIPP notes that there are several legislative developments under way that are affecting the market. Key developments include proposals from the Ministries of Health, Ecology, Agriculture and Economics last year on restricting certain hazardous pesticides (Agrow No 506, p 10). In addition, new taxes on pesticide distributors are due to come into force in January 2008, as part of the government's new law to reduce water pollution (Agrow No 499, p 8).

At EU level there is the proposed revision of the European agrochemical registration Directive (91/414 - Agrow No 500, p 7) and the European Commission's proposals for a strategy on the sustainable use of pesticides (Agrow No 500, p 8).

The UIPP's Adivalor initiative is supporting many of the political aims to minimise risk from pesticides. It aims to minimise agrochemical waste and promote good agricultural practice. The association emphasises that it will continue to communicate with the authorities and pursue campaigns that inform the public on agrochemicals.

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