WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE FRENCH ORGANIC SECTOR ?
The French Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty is strengthening its support plan for the organic farming sector with an additional funding of nearly 200 million euros.
Organic farming is important for France. In 2021, France led Europe’s organic agriculture with 2.8 million hectare. Additionally, France ranks second in Europe in terms of organic consumption. The French consumed 80% of their own organic products.
However, things have changed since mid-2022 due to the altered geopolitical situation following the war in Ukraine and the subsequent inflation, as well as a loss of consumer confidence. It has been observed that the number of farmers in organic farming is declining, and the sales of organic products are decreasing. In 2022, a total of nearly 3,380 farmers did not renew their certification, which is a 34% increase compared to 2021. The number of conversions from conventional to organic farming decreased by 32% in one year.
These are serious signs that intervention and support are needed for the organic sector. This is also the opinion of the French Minister of Agriculture, Marc Fesneau. He aims to support the development of organic farming and its sectors, with the goal of increasing the agricultural area to 18% of the total agricultural area by 2027.
What support has the French government allocated for 2023?
- A budget of 120 million; all public canteens, including schools, are required to choose 50% of products that meet quality and sustainable labels, with a minimum of 20% being organic products.
- A budget of 60 million; for the most urgent problems faced by organic farmers.
- A budget of 3 million; is allocated for a second communication campaign.
- Finally a budget of 500,000 euros for promoting the consumption of organic products by consumers.
It remains very important for a sustainable and healthy world to switch to and invest in sustainable organic products, organic fertilizers and organic farming. The government must take responsibility and provide financial support to accelerate this process, as is happening in France now.
Benefert wishes French farmers much success and support in the transition to organic farming !
Source: agroberichtenbuitenland
