As part of the “Grenelle de l’environnement” consultation process in France, ORAMA[1] is now actively embarking on the development of environmental certification of farms specialising in grain and oil & protein seed crops.

ORAMA is proposing a plan to set up a system where farms can be certified as being of High Environmental Value [Haute Valeur Environnementale – HVE].
 
         ► The system will be built on measured references providing incentive for farmers to comply via three graded levels.
         ► The system will be tested experimentally in a pilot area (an administrative “département”), the ultimate goal being to include it as part of all the different approaches  (including conditionality, labels, charters and integrated farming) which have already been adopted by farmers.
 
These arrangements are designed to focus attention on the professionalism and transparency of grain and oil & protein seed farmers and to support the new advances they have made to protect the environment.
 
The Government and society at large will thus clearly see how responsible the farmers concerned are, and that they are able to efficiently manage situations of potential risk.  This should lead to regulations that are better suited to requirements for optimal productivity, quality and competitiveness for farms.

Contacts :        Pascal HURBAULT, 01 44 31 16 25
                        Céline FOURNIER,  01 44 31 10 90
 
[1]  The professional union comprised of France’s wheat and cereal growers’ association (AGPB), maize growers’ association (AGPM) and oil & protein seed farmers’ federation (FOP)