Champagne's blatant disregard of the law

The well hidden truth about herbicide infractions and cahier des charges breaches

Vineyards around Chouilly

Spring is undoubtedly the most antagonistic season in Champagne. While it should be a time of new life and hope, the scorched soils of the orange colored vineyard slopes send a clear apocalyptic message. This year, once again too many vineyards have been blanket sprayed with glyphosate, showing off the Champenois’ blatant disregard of the binding ANSES (agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire de l’alimentation, de l’environnement et du travail ) restrictions on glyphosate usage for all and sundry to see.

In 2020, ANSES issued a rapport on glyphosate restrictions for viticulture – based on studies conducted by the INRA on the potential economic impact of a total  herbicide ban – in which the maximum authorized glyphosate usage in vineyards has been restricted to 450 grams per hectare, to be used only under the vine rows. The regulations stipulate that where mechanical alternatives are possible, glyphosate is banned between vine rows.  There is one exception, where blank spraying remains authorized , and that is when the vines are too steep or too rocky to be tilled mechanically. Both the Chambre d’Agriculture and the CIVC have estimated that this exception concerns a mere 4-6% of the champagne appellation

An aerial view of the blanket sprayed vines in Fleury-la-Riviere

As can be seen in the pictures taken by drone at the end April in the Vallee de la Marne, Côte des Blancs and the Montagne de Reims, many grape growers in Champagne give no importance to respecting these national guidelines. They feel increasing their potential yield is more important than respecting the law.  

This implicitly means that the cuvees made from these grapes also disregard the legal restrictions. Champagne is still licking its wounds from last harvest’s abhorrent