After the gentian in Annecy, the owl in Dijon or the honey in Bordeaux, the radish was born in Ungersheim (Haut-Rhin) in 2013. It is Jean-Claude Mensch, the mayor, (without label) who had the idea of creating this local currency: “The goal was to promote local trade. About ten retailers in the city accept this motto ”. It is starting to have an impact: according to the latest study conducted by the town hall at the end of 2021, 5% of the 2,400 residents of Ungersheim shop for radishes on a weekly basis.
Concretely, the inhabitants of Ungersheim can barter their euros for radishes with an association of the commune of Haut-Rhin. The exchange rate is clear, one euro = one radish. “We have our own currency in Ungersheim which helps support a village-wide economy. For me, it is now inconceivable to go buy my baguette in a bakery other than the one in my town, ”testifies Roland, a convinced resident.
The town hall has published 2,000 banknotes in the colors of the radish to promote transactions. To encourage people to use this local currency, some businesses are setting up commercial operations.
“In our bakery, if you pay for your radish pastries on Friday, the third croissant is offered to you”, promises Emmanuelle, the manager. “Focusing on local commerce is part of a more global logic for our municipality. Ungersheim is one of the pioneer cities in terms of ecological transition in France and the radish is our flagship measure ”, welcomes Jean-Claude Mensch.
