An agroecological label for Dijon Alimentation Durable 2030

Action 16 of the Dijon Alimentation Durable 2030 initiative of the Territoire d'innovation programme aims to create a label, the name of which has yet to be chosen, to inform citizen-consumers about the products involved in the region’s agrifood transition. This scheme is founded on two pillars: a strong emphasis on product and environmental quality that promotes sound agricultural practices, and one on regions based on a short-distance regional supply chain.

40 pioneering farmers in agroecology who have applied to obtain certification for their production

Coordination is provided by the company Citoyens&Compagnie. Nicolas Munier-Jolain, an INRAE researcher at the Agroecology Joint Research Unit, is taking part by working to build a regional network of around 40 pioneering farmers in agroecology who have applied to obtain certification for their production. These farmers must commit to an agroecological transition that enhances biodiversity and biological regulation by reducing the use of synthetic inputs and adopting adapted agricultural practices such as crop rotation, the introduction of legumes and the replanting of hedges. The programme covers the region’s diverse range of activity, which includes cereal, legume and livestock farming as well as market gardening. Producers will benefit from the commercial advantages of having the label on their flour, bread, milk, meat, lentil and other products. The certification scheme reviews all farm AND processing operations to ensure that citizen-consumers enjoy a healthier environment and food that is healthier, more nutritious and tastes better. A communication tool will guide them on the label’s commitment to product quality, environmental quality and local origin (traceability) as well as on the motivations and practices of the farmers involved.

Nicolas Munier-Jolain contributes extensive experience with Dephy network farms (1), which demonstrate throughout France that it is possible to reduce the use of pesticides without negatively affecting outcomes in agriculture. Citoyens&Compagnie has been commissioned to define specifications that represent all stakeholders: producers as well as civil society, processing and distribution companies and public authorities. Environmental outcomes will be evaluated to define precise and relevant indicators such as the use of phytosanitary products, respect for biodiversity, animal welfare and carbon footprint. “Our role is to bring scientific expertise to the assessment. The label can only work if there is trust, transparency and communication about the farming practices it supports.”

Products with labels should be inexpensive and accessible to as many people as possible

Organic products will be eligible for the label, but AB certification will not be required. For the researcher, the price of labelled products is more important. Products should be inexpensive and accessible to as many people as possible: “The promotion of the label via school canteens and collective catering is another way of making it available to a wider population. The city of Dijon is very attached to this social initiative.”

(1) The purpose of the Dephy network is to test, develop and roll out agricultural techniques and systems that limit the use of phytosanitary products and are economically, environmentally and socially effective, based on a national network covering all French crop sectors. A major component of the Ecophyto Plan, DEPHY mobilises all stakeholders in agricultural development, teaching, research and transfer. It is composed of two initiatives: Dephy Ferme and Dephy Expé.