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Organic pace gains momentum in France

23-Jun-2009

Related topics: Financial & Industry

Clear signs that consumer demand for organic foods is gaining momentum in France, with fresh figures from the minister of agriculture's office showing that to date, conversions to organic land in 2009 are five times higher than in 2008.

In 2009, the number of farmers switching to organic farming grew by 15 per cent on the previous year, with 63,000 hectares of land currently being converted to organic status.

Boosting the conversion are combined funds from the national purse and the EU: together aid from the french government and European funds 2009 will total €58m, five times more funding than in 2007.

"The objective to triple organic land by 2012 is ambitious, but we are determined," said Michel Barnier, the French agriculture minister.