“The advantage is that we have a vision”: organic veal breeders are entering the canteens of Lot-et-Garonne colleges

The chefs at Crochepierre college in Villeneuve-sur-Lot have a smile. This Tuesday lunchtime on the canteen menu is veal. And not just any: that of Bernard Coufignal, organic veal breeder in Sauvetat-sur-Lède. It is part of the ELVEA Périgord-Agenais association, a structure which brings together the local sector. For several months, everything has been done to include veal from Lot-et-Garonne and Dordogne also in the plates of college students.

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“We responded to the call for tenders in the fall of 2023” remembers Joël Labat, the director of the association. The specifications are strict, first for organic classification then to deliver to the purchasing center of the Department of Lot-et-Garonne. “Breeder, slaughterhouse and packaging must be certified for the organic label” he continues. There are only around twenty producers across the Lot-et-Garonnaise meadows, hence the need to ally with our Périgord colleagues. “The strength of the group is being able to pool volumes,” says Joël Labat. Particularly during periods when disease is raging in herds.

€2 meals maintained for a “cost of €6 to €9”

This volume is 3 to 4 calves per week, depending on the canteen schedule. This allows breeders to adapt production. “Because if we exceed 8 months and one day, it is no longer a calf” continues Bernard Coufignal. The farmer is delighted with such an ultra-local partnership. “The advantage is that we have a vision.” Once slaughtered in Villeneuve-sur-Lot, the calves leave for Agenais, to Layrac more precisely. The SAS Marassé company is responsible for cutting the meat, then delivering it to the department's colleges.

This introduction of veal on the lunch menu of Lot-et-Garonne students mechanically increases the rate of organic products in establishments. “This year, we have 10 establishments which have obtained the “committed organic” label” rejoices Annie Messina-Ventadoux, vice-president of the departmental council in charge of the “47 on our plates” program. These colleges are in addition to the 7 already certified last year, and which have therefore exceeded 20% organic products in the canteens. “The goal is to see them all labeled in 2025.” An increase which does not increase the meal bill, at least for parents. “For the moment we are maintaining the price of €2 per meal for the 10,000 schoolchildren in Lot-et-Garonne” assures Annie Messina-Ventadoux. Depending on supplies, the meal costs “between €6 and €9”. A gap assumed by the community, which wants to give itself the means to “eat well” in the catines.