Farmer testifies against pesticide laws

Édouard Exilard, a Basque farmer whose daughter died from a brain tumor, will speak before European lawmakers on October 19 about pesticide regulations. His testimony is part of discussions on the Omnibus X project, a proposed law that would relax restrictions on certain pesticides and reduce how often other products are re-evaluated.

Omnibus X project details

The proposed law would allow some pesticides to be used without limits and reduce the re-evaluation frequency for other products to once every 25 years. Currently, European law requires these re-evaluations every ten to fifteen years.

Exilard's background and motivation

Exilard runs a 45-hectare organic farm in the Basque Country, raising nearly 400 sheep. He converted to organic farming in 2011 after his 7-year-old daughter died from complications following a brain tumor operation. He will join a group of six other parents, doctors, and officials in presenting his case.

Scientific support for pesticide concerns

Exilard argues that exposure to pesticides during pregnancy or childhood increases the risk of cancer in young people. This claim is supported by a 2026 comic book by toxicologist Laurence Huc titled Pesticides — Their Effects on the Health of Children. In 2021, Inserm, a French public health institute, also found a strong link between pesticide exposure and childhood cancers like leukemia and brain tumors.

Criticism of current policies and organic farming

Exilard says current laws are too lenient and that public concern is not strong enough. He claims organic farming is struggling due to lack of political support and financial challenges. In France, the area dedicated to organic farming has decreased, and support for the sector was reduced in 2025.

Exilard's financial and political efforts

He criticizes conventional farmers in his village for avoiding the debate. Despite the higher price of organic products, he says the income is not enough to sustain his farm. To help, he is renovating his home to create a farmstay and possibly host teenagers from the Aid to Children in Need (ASE).

Cancer Colère and pesticide lobbies

Exilard is part of the Cancer Colère collective, founded in 2025 to link cancer to agricultural policies. He met the group's founder, Fleur Breteau, on television and describes pesticide lobbies as a "mafia." He no longer hopes for change but is determined to challenge European lawmakers directly.