the minister announces more than 30 million additional aid for the organic sector

2023-12-01 09:12:34

The government is once again coming to the aid of certified organic farmers. The Minister of Agriculture, Marc Fesneau, announces the release of an additional 34 million euros intended for professionals whose income has eroded with inflation.

Published on 01/12/2023 09:50

Reading time: 2 min

The organic sector in France today represents some 200,000 jobs. Illustrative photo (THIERRY GACHON / MAXPPP)

Already in mid-May, the government had released a crisis envelope of 60 million euros to help the sector. Matignon had also promised measures to revive demand, such as the commitment of canteens under State responsibility – schools, prisons, armies, administrations – to achieve the objective of 20% organic in menus, against 4% Today. But the account is still not there.

Beyond canteens, consumers as a whole are shunning the more expensive organic offering, especially in times of inflation. For food products alone, the price increase reached 7.6% in November. The drop in products sold leads to surpluses and a reduction in remuneration for producers, even leading to the closure of specialized stores.

Finally, applications submitted to the aid window by organic farmers and traders reached 94 million euros. Hence the extension granted by the government, but which remains subject to prior agreement from the European Commission. All organic professionals will be able to benefit from it under certain conditions. First, the farmer must be certified organic, that is to say be recognized and listed as such by the administration. Then, to be eligible, the farmer making the request must provide proof of a deterioration in his annual result and his cash flow of 20% or more compared to the average of the two previous accounting years.

Organic represents 10% of cultivated land in France

If all these conditions are met, nothing stands in the way of releasing the file quickly. The Ministry of Agriculture specifies that a deposit will be paid at the beginning of December after review of eligible applications.

The organic sector in France today represents some 200,000 jobs, 60,000 producers on 10% of cultivated areas in France with the objective of increasing to 25% in 2030.

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