French government pledges additional support for organic sector

The French government has promised to stand by organic farmers. At the 13th edition of France’s Forum of Organic Food and Agriculture, organised by Agence Bio last week, the theme was “Organic Farming and Agroecology: place and the role of organic farming in the ecological transition.” The event was attended by Marc Fesneau, French minister of agriculture, who pledged additional financial support for Agence Bio, in charge of the development, promotion and structuring of French organic agriculture. 

Hit by inflation and a drop in demand, the organic sector is going through a crisis. After reaching a peak in consumption and sales in 2020, the demand for organic products has been stagnating or declining, especially this year. According to the French minister of agriculture, “this crisis should not stop us from continuing to develop the organic sector. Organic farming has its place.”

In front of an assembly of professionals gathered for the occasion Fesneau announced that the Organic Future Funds, managed by Agence Bio to subsidise structuring projects for the sector, should benefit from another €5 million within the framework of the draft finance law 2023, for a total amount of €13 million. Agence Bio will also receive a state funding of €750,000 for the deployment of a new communication campaign.