A controversial aspect of the bill revises penalties for environmental violations, allowing for administrative fines instead of criminal charges for non-intentional infractions, capped at €450.

The law also addresses various issues, including the transfer of farms, agricultural education goals, and the legal status of hedges, while emphasizing food sovereignty as a national interest.

Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard described the bill as a crucial response to farmers' demands, despite acknowledging that it has lost some of its initial ambition.

The government is racing to finalize the law due to pressure from the agricultural sector and the upcoming agricultural fair.

However, the bill incorporates several 'simplification' measures that reduce environmental protections, heavily influenced by the National Federation of Agricultural Workers' Unions (FNSEA).

Critics, including left-wing parties and environmental groups, argue that the law undermines environmental protections and represents a significant environmental regression.

On February 18, 2025, a joint commission of the French Parliament reached an agreement on a controversial agricultural orientation law, which is set to be voted on before the Salon de l’agriculture opens on February 22, 2025.

The Senate adopted the agricultural orientation law (LOA) on the same day, with a vote of 218 in favor and 107 against, reflecting support from a right-center coalition.

Aurélie Trouvé, president of LFI's Economic Affairs Committee, contended that the bill compromises hard-won environmental protections, while supporters claim it addresses farmers' needs.

Concerns about a demographic crisis in agriculture are pressing, with projections indicating that one in two farmers will be of retirement age within five years.

The legislation aims to address impending labor shortages in agriculture and includes the establishment of a new Bachelor-level agricultural diploma.

The law aims to elevate agriculture to a status of 'major public interest' and addresses critical issues such as agricultural transmission, environmental penalties, and food sovereignty.