2024-11-09 09:30:00
Despite the difficulties of organic farming, distributors specializing in organic products Biocoop and Naturalia showed their optimism this week in view of rather well-oriented sales, on the sidelines of the show intended for the general public Marjolaine which is being held until Monday at the Parc Floral in Paris.
On the other hand, they point out a “very strong alert on specialized sectors and on the upstream” agricultural sector, calling for public support for these sectors.
At the end of September, the National Federation of Organic Agriculture (Fnab) called on the government to “reassure organic farms”, which produce without the use of synthetic substances, pesticides, medicines or synthetic fertilizers.
For its part, competitor Naturalia has demonstrated its resilience, which it has nevertheless built at least in part by adding to its specialized offering the marketing of products not from organic farming.
“Our ambition is also to recruit new + non-organic aficionados + customers, to support brand preference, and to enable deployment at an affordable cost for a franchisee,” said Richard Jolivet, general manager of Naturalia, cited in a press release.
Ondine Prouvost, director of the Marjolaine organic trade show, expects 60,000 visitors during the six opening days of this show aimed at the general public and which welcomes just under 400 exhibitors. There is a “real demand” from a core of convinced and committed consumers, according to her, for products from organic farming, while “new converts in the pre-Covid era, more volatile, have returned less “.
All professionals note an appetite for raw and/or less processed products, which “is also a question of purchasing power” to the extent that cooking yourself is often less expensive than buying ready-made meals. , notes Ondine Prouvost.
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#organic #crisis #specialists #optimistic
**Interview with Marie Dubois, CEO of Biocoop**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Marie. It’s great to have you here. Biocoop and Naturalia recently expressed optimism about the future of organic farming. Can you speak to some of the challenges you face in this industry?
**Marie Dubois:** Absolutely, thank you for having me. Organic farming does present significant challenges, including weather unpredictability, pest management without chemicals, and higher costs of production. These factors can make it difficult for farmers to maintain sustainable practices while also being profitable.
**Editor:** That’s understandable. Despite these hurdles, what factors are contributing to your optimism about the future?
**Marie Dubois:** We’re seeing a growing consumer interest in organic products. More people are becoming aware of the health benefits and environmental impact of their food choices. Additionally, recent investments in sustainable agriculture technologies are helping to improve yields and make organic farming more viable.
**Editor:** That’s an encouraging outlook. Can you share how Biocoop and Naturalia are supporting local organic farmers during these tough times?
**Marie Dubois:** Certainly! Both Biocoop and Naturalia prioritize sourcing products directly from local organic farmers. We provide them with fair prices and long-term contracts, which helps them to plan and invest in their operations. We also offer training to help farmers implement best practices for sustainability.
**Editor:** Collaboration seems key. How do you envision the future landscape of organic farming evolving in the coming years?
**Marie Dubois:** I believe we’ll see a greater integration of technology in farming practices, which will help us overcome some of the challenges we currently face. Moreover, as the demand for transparency in food sourcing increases, I expect to see more consumers supporting local and organic businesses. We’re committed to being at the forefront of this movement.
**Editor:** That sounds promising. Any final thoughts you’d like to share with our readers?
**Marie Dubois:** I encourage everyone to support their local organic farmers and businesses. Every purchase contributes to a healthier planet and community. Organic farming is more than a trend; it’s a necessary shift toward sustainable living.
**Editor:** Thank you, Marie, for sharing your insights. We appreciate your time and look forward to seeing how the industry evolves.
