From November 25 to 30, 2024, Lot-et-Garonne will transform into a true capital of organic agriculture with the Organic Weekorganized by the Departmental Council and INTERBIO Nouvelle-Aquitaine. This event, which aims to raise awareness among the general public of the challenges of organic farming, also highlights local producers and their environmentally friendly know-how.
Lot-et-Garonne is not only an agricultural department, it is also a pioneering territory in the field of organic farming. This year, to celebrate its sustainable commitment, the department is organizing Organic Week, with a program rich in activities and a big closing day, Saturday November 30, on the organic market at the Hôtel du Département in Agen. “Lot-et-Garonne is a welcoming land for organic businesses and farms. We have always supported sustainable agriculture and this comes to fruition every year with initiatives such as Organic Week,” underlines Sophie Borderie, president of the Departmental Council of Lot-et-Garonne.
A week to discover and act
The objective of this Organic Week is twofold: both to promote the region's organic products and to raise awareness among residents of the benefits of sustainable agriculture. On Saturday, November 30, the big closing day will take the form of an organic market in the Cour d'Honneur of the Hôtel du Département in Agen. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., local producers, organic companies and industry players will meet to introduce visitors to local products. It will also be an opportunity to take part in activities for young and old, around organic gastronomy and sustainable agriculture. Alongside the general public events, another highlight of Organic Week will highlight the integration of organic products into school catering. As part of the program 47 on our platesthe Departmental Council favors local and organic purchasing for school canteens, allowing middle school students in the department to taste fresh, quality and environmentally friendly products.
“We have launched a real movement to integrate more organic products into college students’ menus. In 2024, ten new colleges in the department will receive the Bio Engagé label, bringing to 17 the number of colleges that include organic products in their school meals,” announces Sophie Borderie. Support for the establishment of new organic farmers is also an integral part of departmental policy. In 2024, new aid of €12,000 (compared to €8,000 previously) is granted to each new organic farmer committing for a period of five years. “Thanks to this increased aid, we are supporting the installation of new organic farmers, a sector which creates employment and generates added value for our region”explains Sophie Borderie.
Committed communities
Alongside the department's action, several municipalities in Lot-et-Garonne stand out for their commitment to organic farming. Nine municipalities, including Boé and Casteljaloux, are now labeled Committed Organic Territorya label which rewards efforts made to integrate organic products into the menus of school canteens and public establishments.
In Boé, for example, more than 25% of the products used in canteens are organic, while Casteljaloux has a rate of more than 20%. These municipalities are also initiating educational workshops to raise awareness among young people about organic farming. The children of Boé and Casteljaloux even participated in creative workshops, and their drawings will be exhibited during the organic market in Agen.
