Six fertilizer and phytosanitary groups oppose a proposed tax increase on market authorizations, warning it could make France the most expensive in Europe for agricultural inputs.
Fertilizer groups oppose tax increase
Six professional organizations involved in selling fertilizers and phytosanitary products criticized a proposed tax increase in a letter dated October 19, sent to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Agriculture. Tax increase could make France more expensive
The groups argue that if approved, the increase would make France one of the most expensive countries in Europe for authorizing crop protection products and fertilizers. Tax managed by Anses
The tax, managed by Anses, is based on the type of product and the kind of market authorization requested, such as approval, renewal, or modification. It applies to applicants and holders of authorizations for phytopharmaceutical products, fertilizers, and growing media. Increase part of 2027 finance bill
The proposed increase is included in the 2027 finance bill (PLF). The signatories include Afaïa, Alliance Biocontrôle, France Fertilisants, NégoA, Phyteis, and the Union of Companies for Garden and Public Space Protection. Criticism of 7 million euro ceiling increase
The organizations criticized a 7 million euro increase in the maximum amount of tax that the government allows Anses to collect, rising from 10.5 million euros in 2026 to 17.5 million euros in 2027. Projected revenue increase criticized
They also opposed a 144% rise in the tax's projected revenue, fearing it could negatively impact farmers' access to solutions and the attractiveness of France as a business location. Previous tax increases not effective
The groups pointed out that similar increases in 2022 and 2024 did not improve services for farmers or reduce processing times. Request for meeting and reassessment
The organizations requested a meeting with the Prime Minister and the Minister of Agriculture and asked the proposal be re-examined, including a detailed assessment of its economic and agricultural impact. Government justification disputed
The government had mentioned in the 2027 budget that Anses’ resources would be strengthened by increasing the ceiling of one of its taxes. However, the signatories disputed this reasoning, noting that Anses’ staffing limits are decreasing. Financial burden on industry
The organizations argued that the financial needs of Anses cannot be solely transferred to market introducers, stating that the increase is not tied to additional hiring for the agency’s many responsibilities.
