In France, debates are raging over Nitrate Vulnerable Zones, as farmers and environment groups lock horns over stalemated negotiations.

France's largest farming unions are demanding a moratorium on classification of new areas as NVZ. The unions (including FNSEA and the Young Farmers – JA) claim the measures are neither providing adequate environmental support, nor allowing them to function. FNSEA secretary general Dominique Barrau said earlier in the month that French people should understand that, by "protecting agricultural production, we protect jobs."

However, as water quality affects all French citizens, his message has been diluted somewhat and green groups maintain that public interest in this case surely lies with European legislators seeking to protect France's waters.  

In 2012, 56 percent of the French agricultural area was classified as NVZ, and under new reforms made in line with EU directives which expect NVZ regulations to be strengthened, vulnerable areas will expand further from September. However, following protests, some areas have been declassified under the NVZ reforms.

In February last year, the European Commission announced plans to take France to court over its continued failure to establish and protect Nitrate Vulnerable Zones. Environmental group France Nature Environnement said on 16th January that only France and Greece have yet to meet EU water quality targets.

FNE accused the agricultural unions of irresponsibly rejecting environmental regulation and warned that continued failure to establish and uphold workable NVZ regulations could cost France 150,000 Euros per day. The group called on the French government to resist pressure from the farm lobby, stating "We are now at the end of the fourth action program and the latest estimates show an increase in nitrate pollution."

The finishing touches to the new framework will be made after elections to Frances chambers of agriculture and once EU legislators respond to the current reforms. The elections will take place across France's departments later this month.