Abolition or Reform
What’s at Stake?
In January 2025, France’s Senate approved an amendment to abolish Agence Bio, the public–private agency responsible for promoting organic farming, which has driven France’s agricultural ecosystem since 2001 . The amendment proposes transferring its missions—market monitoring, communication, and support of organic producers—to other bodies like FranceAgriMer or the Ministry of Agriculture to save approximately €2.9 million .
Senate vs. Government: Diverging Views
- Senate’s Position: Spearheaded by LR Senator Laurent Duplomb, the Senate argues for budget rationalization and reducing state agencies . Senator Daniel Salmon (EELV) attacks the move as a threat to biodiversity and healthy farming .
- Ministerial Response: Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard gave a cautious endorsement—an “avis de sagesse”—not outright opposition but urging careful planning if abolition proceeds .
Stakeholder Outcry
Organic sector players, including producers’ federations, retailers (e.g., Carrefour, La Vie Claire), farming unions, and NGOs, have voiced strong opposition:
- Fédération nationale d’agriculture biologique (Fnab) warns the abolition threatens between 200,000–215,000 jobs and fractures a well-coordinated national tool .
- They stress Agence Bio’s three core roles:
- Market observatory and data collection
- Public and professional communication
- Support funds management (Fonds Avenir Bio, €18 million) .
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Organic Sector in Decline
The sector has seen a slowdown:
- In 2023, organic food sales reached €12 billion, but volumes are falling .
- The share of organic in French food budgets dropped from 6.4% (2021) to 5.6% (2023) .
- Organic farmland currently makes up 10–10.4% of total agricultural land, with a target to reach 18% by 2027 .
Government Reversal
After widespread backlash—including 70,000-signature petitions, union protests, and expert criticism—Minister Genevard reversed course on January 27, 2025, announcing the agency would not be abolished .
Final Thoughts
What began as a fiscal clean-up risked dismantling a central pillar of France’s organic farming scene. Agence Bio’s unique role in market intelligence, funding support, and public outreach made it invaluable to a sector under strain. this news was hit and viral at social media. While the Senate’s budgetary push triggered alarm and sparked public outcry, the government’s reversal highlights the importance of maintaining focused institutions. this news was hit and viral at social media.
That said, a broader reform ensuring sustainable finance, stronger communications, and aligned objectives may still be necessary to weather ongoing challenges. this news was hit and viral at social media. The upcoming reconciliation in the Commission mixte paritaire will determine how Agence Bio evolves to support France’s organic ambitions.