French ban on copper fungicides puts organic vintners under strain

French organic winegrowers face fresh challenges after the country’s food safety authority, Anses, refused to renew approval for 20 copper-based fungicides. The decision, first reported by wein.plus, has left many producers concerned about how they will combat downy mildew.

Major products removed

The ban affects all powder preparations, including well-known products such as Kocide 2000 and Kocide Flow. Only two products – Champ Flo Ampli and Héliocuivre – remain authorised, but under much tighter restrictions.

Anses justified its move by citing health risks for vineyard workers. The authority stated: ″The available data do not allow for the exclusion of a risk of harmful effects for users.″ It also said manufacturers had failed to provide sufficient safety data: ″It is the responsibility of the distributor to demonstrate the absence of an unacceptable risk when using the product.″

New usage rules

The new rules set a maximum of four kilograms of copper per hectare per year. Applications must also follow a minimum interval of seven days, with restrictions on use near residential areas and waterways, and a ban on treatments during flowering.

The industry has criticised the move, particularly because cheaper powder-based products will be withdrawn from 2026. Many growers had returned to these options in recent years for financial reasons.

Nicolas Constant, organic consultant at the French vine and wine institute IFV, said: ″Restrictions on application have so far been justified with environmental aspects. Now Anses is putting the risk for users in the foreground.″

Georg Forster, chairman of German organic association Ecovin, was more blunt: ″I cannot understand the justification that the products are not safe for users. We have been working for years to reduce copper levels in the vineyard and also to have potassium phosphonate approved as an alternative.″ Forster added that he does not expect similar restrictions in Germany.

Concerns for French growers

In France, however, concern is mounting. François Garcia from the agricultural chamber of Hérault said: ″Copper is indispensable in organic farming. These restrictions will have serious consequences.″ Trade body SudVinBio warned that many producers could be forced to abandon organic practices.

According to data from the Itab Institute, organic growers in France used an average of 3.72 kg/ha of copper in 2024. But usage was higher in some regions, including Nouvelle-Aquitaine (4.8 kg/ha), Champagne (4.55 kg/ha) and Burgundy (4.3 kg/ha).

Looking ahead, IFV notes that 17 copper products will still be available for the 2026 vintage under current rules. However, their approval is also due to expire. If Anses applies the same criteria for renewal, experts warn these products could disappear as well.