“We have nothing to be ashamed of our yields”: Charente-Maritime producers publish their “Organic & local guide”

With 610 farms involved, organic farming is doing rather well in Charente-Maritime. This is the message that the Charente-Maritime Organic Farmers Group (GAB17) intends to emphasize. This association with 140 members is publishing a new edition of its “Organic & Local Guide”. It lists the producers established in the region, the stores and markets near you and the associations offering organic baskets.

This fairly exhaustive guide is also full of advice, including how to “respond tactfully to organic skeptics”. Co-president of GAB 17, Cyrielle Amand obviously figures prominently. This market gardener cultivates 1 ha of land in Landrais, offers eggs, honey and even some cut flowers. A micro-farm capable of feeding 150 to 200 households, says Cyrielle Amand before drawing up a “rather positive” assessment of organic farming in Charente-Maritime. Around 10% of departmental farms now grow organic.

“This is a sector of the future”

“There are more installations – especially in market gardening – and conversions than deconversions,” assures the co-president of GAB 17. With 6% of the UAA (used agricultural area), organic agriculture nevertheless remains behind in Charente-Maritime – the French UAA is at 10.1%. “This is a sector with a future, we must remain optimistic. Consumption is starting to rise again,” underlines Cyrielle Amand, who hopes to see organic farming grow in the department despite the current situation and soaring prices.

This market gardener points out the lack of government aid “in favor of organic” and a CAP (common agricultural policy) more focused on the expansion of farms and aid per hectare. Under these conditions, small farms oriented towards organic are at a disadvantage, regrets Cyrielle Amand while waiting for a more favorable shift. “We have nothing to be ashamed of our returns,” underlines the co-president of GAB 17, convinced that there is “potential to be found” among consumers.