Authors Office du DĂŠveloppement Agricole et Rural de Corse : Marie-Pierre BIANCHINI Ange BIANCHINI Jean LUZI Daniel SAINTE-BEUVE Marion MAS
Design ICALPE - International Centre for ALPine Environments Casa Pastureccia 20250 RIVENTOSA [FRANCE]
Introduction Currently, agriculture is a sector in Europe that knows important economic and demographic challenges. This statement is especially true on islands where geographic isolation and the insufficient economic structure accentuate the low attractiveness of the sector. However, the need to preserve agriculture seems obvious for many reasons that go far beyond the only concern of food safety. Indeed, by its presence, agriculture shapes landscapes, perpetuates traditions and preserves biodiversity. Corsica, aware of these issues, works to improve the exercising conditions of the farmer profession particularly through concrete experiences in non-technological innovation. Therefore, this document presents in a first part the agriculture sector in Corsica and its geographical and economic context. In a second step, it identifies the key success factors to structure a production chain through the example of a good practice: getting the “Honey of Corsica� PDO.
Chapter 1 Context of the island
France Italy
Corsica
Sardinia
Corsica, in brief Corsica is located at the centre of the Gulf of Genoa. Its insularity and mountainous relief lend it a degree of isolation. With a coastline of 1000 km of coasts, forests and peaks reaching 2710 m, it is characterised by its diverse landscapes. Tourism is a very big business there, with seven ports and four airports. Corsica has a population of 302 966 inhabitants. With 34 inhabitants per km², it has the lowest population density in metropolitan France
Corsica at a glance Area: 8722 km² Average altitude: 568 m
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Population : 302 966 habitants (2008) in urban areas: 180 435 in rural areas: 113 683 Density: 34 hab/km²
GDP Structure by sector Tertiary sector: 79,4% Secondary sector: 15,3% Primary sector: 5,3%
Corsica has an original form of institutional High and steady demographic growth organisation, the in the peri-urban rings Territorial Collectivity of Changes in the population of Corsica by type of area Corsica, which enjoys 140 000 a unique status in metropolitan France 120 000 but is comparable to 100 000 that of the other largely 80 000 decentralised regions of Europe. 60 000 Added value by sector is distributed in an 40 000 extremely specific 20 000 way: Primary: 5.30% Secondary: 15.30% 0 Tertiary: 79.40%. GDP RP1962 RP1968 RP1975 RP1982 RP1990 RP1999 RP2006 per inhabitant (24 232 Source : Insee - Population census. euros in 2008) was 21% below the national average.
Rural area Urban hub Town centre
Peri-urban
Urban hub Suburbs
It is characterised by a weak production base and an over-represented tertiary sector, with a high non-commercial and public sector component. Its second major characteristic concerns its production structures, composed of very small
businesses. The tertiary sector, the island’s biggest employer, is dominated by the public sector. The difficulties are as follows: Insularity, which increases the price of transport and products. The small size of the Corsican market, which limits economies of scale. The seasonal nature of tourism-related employment.
A sparsely populated territory Population density in 2006
Number of inhabitants by km² over 200 80 to 200 50 to 80 20 to 50 0 to 20
© I GN -I n s e e 2009
Corsica enjoys a relatively well-preserved environment, on the land and coast and at sea. The island has an international marine park, nature reserves, and the Regional Nature Park of Corsica.
Source : Insee - Population census.
Agriculture and rural areas In Corsica, agricultural activity plays a major role in the economy, especially in rural areas, where it remains the main resource and a pillar of the social dynamic. Corsica is unusual for its relief as well as its ancestral heritage of local breeds and species, and traditional skills. Thus, its distinctive products benefit greatly from the official quality signs that reflect the uniqueness of Corsican products. These certification processes are facilitated by a production chain-based structure aimed at increasing synergy between players upstream and downstream of the food chain. Indeed, the agri-food sector is growing fast on the island, benefiting greatly from the distinctive image and diversity of its local products. Likewise, the seasonal influx of tourists is increasingly giving a significant boost to consumption of the island’s products. With regard to these opportunities, as is the case in many European regions, the challenge in all Corsica’s agricultural sectors is to increase the quantities produced. Indeed, whether we are dealing with cheese, meat, wine or citrus products, supply is lower than demand or only just sufficient to satisfy the markets, especially the export markets. Problems to do with land management and speculation, and the low level of renewal of its farms weigh heavily on this sector of activity and restrict the development potential offered by agriculture on the island.
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Challenges facing the evolution of agriculture In a context of regional under-production and importing of products and even counterfeit goods, increasing the quantity and quality of production is a priority. Making the farming trade more attractive is therefore a fundamental challenge. This dynamic can only be made concrete by improving and securing farmers’ income and modernising their practices. Innovation seems to be the appropriate response to this problem. It makes it possible to cut costs and improve performance (simplification of cultivation itineraries, mechanisation, dissemination of new knowledge and techniques), structure the players within the different sectors in order to study the product and production systems (organisational innovation), and promote the products (differentiation, segmentation, new products).
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Land use Agricultural land makes up 18% of the region’s surface area. The agricultural landscape of the island is characterised by a dichotomy between the extensive production areas of the inland mountain areas, and the arable production areas of the coastal plains. Agriculture in the littoral, foothills and plain areas is geared towards mechanised productions which mainly produce cereals, wines and fruits. These activities stretch out over large parcels of land. While developing their skills and distinctive local identity, the producers are making technical progress and moving towards controlled, environmentally friendly practices. The different cultivations sculpt typical and varied landscapes: vineyards, grasslands, market gardens, orchards of citrus trees, summer fruits, hazelnut trees... In the inland, in addition to the forest massifs, pastoral activities, i.e. cattle, pig, sheep and goat livestock breeding sit alongside traditional chestnut and olive groves; these productions partly protect the inland territories from the process of rural
decline, which would result in the Distribution of UAA by production type area being gradually abandoned and uncontrolled vegetation permanently covering these areas, leaving them exposed to fires and even the destruction of the historical heritage and erosion of its biodiversity. Corsica, with its particularly high level of endemism, offers a variety of Trails 67 fauna and flora which is unique in the Permanent meadows 19 Mediterranean. This diversity plays a very important role as a vector Fodder crops 4,2 linking the product to the land. The Cereals 1 recognition of local breeds of sheep, Wines 4 goat, pig, bee and soon cattle, Orchards 4,4 along with their conservation and Market gardening 0,4 their use by farmers, is a decisive factor in giving the products their own flavour and distinctive characteristics, and is an essential part of the quality and origin approach that the Territorial Collectivity of Corsica has taken, in particular when it comes to obtaining the official quality signs.
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Importance of Agriculture in the regional economy Corsica has a very specific economy: little in the way of industry, low agricultural activity and a high level of dependence on tourism, administration and construction. Agriculture accounts for a far smaller share of the economy than in most French regions. Agriculture only represents around 2.3% of Corsica’s GDP, against 3.5% for the regions of metropolitan France minus Île-de-France. Agriculture’s share of GDP is falling fast: -12.5%. Only 36% of the island’s surface area is used for agriculture, against the national average of 54%. The active farming population in Corsica is estimated at around 6 000 people and represents 3 580 AWU (Annual Work Units). We note that two-thirds of these jobs involve farmers and their families. There are 1800 professional farms on the island. In terms of employment, the agricultural sector is characterised by high tension between supply and demand. Over 700 multi-active farmers are involved in agriculture. They combine agricultural work with non-agricultural work on a primary or secondary basis. Multiactivity is more frequent among small farms and sheep farms.
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Agriculture in Corsica generates a valued overall output worth around 200 million euros, of which 130 comes from the vegetal and 70 from the animal production. We can see that two sectors predominate in terms of production in value: wine-growing and fruit production (citriculture). This volume of activity is doubled if we add the turnover for the agri-food sector.
Distribution of the value of agricultural production (2008 data)
Wines
28
Fruits
23
Milk and dairy products
12
Piggs
8
Fodder crops
7
Market garden and horticultural production 7 Cattle products
6
Meat (sheep and goats)
3
Cereals and industrial crops
3
Poultry products
3
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Š Jean Harixcalde
Chapter 2 Organization of the production chains: The PDO/CDO
Honey of Corsica
Summary Following the decline in apiculture that began in the late 19th century and continued until the 1970s, a group of beekeepers decided to start producing honey in Corsica again. The challenge consisted of reclaiming a traditional, centuries-old activity and turning it into a production tool that would contribute towards maintaining and even developing rural economic activity. A production chain dynamic was created, resulting in a demand for an official quality sign. The beekeepers gathered together to obtain a Controlled Designation of Origin (CDO) in order to make the beekeeping sector more dynamic, gain recognition for the special gustative and organoleptic qualities of Corsican honeys, guarantee protection for regional production and promote the product more effectively. The CDO label was awarded in recognition of the area’s traditional skills, the land’s wide variety of flora, and the Corsican ecotype of the Apis mellifera bee.
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Starting point In Corsica, the first written evidence of honey production dates back to Antiquity. This activity is part of the island’s heritage, which can be seen in the names of villages such as Moltifau (u fau means a bar of beeswax or honeycomb) or Petrabugnu (bugnu means hive). After the 2nd World War, only a few villages still kept bees and honey production was limited until the mid1970s. In 1976, a group of beekeepers, who were part of a movement to reclaim Corsican culture decided to put together a plan to develop the sector. Research work began and provincial unions were created. In the 1980s, health problems caused production to collapse. Health protection groups were formed. In 1990, it was the market’s turn to collapse. New solutions had to be found. In 1991, a regional union was founded and put in charge of taking the necessary steps to obtain a CDO.
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Historical development of the experience Stage 1: The professionals form a group 1976: Upon observing the decline of traditional Corsican activities and the poor state of regional apiculture, a core group of beekeepers, aware of the development potential of honey production on the island, decides to put together a production chain project. Stage 2: Research/development Late 1970s, 1980s: Research begins on the Corsican ecotype bee and the characterization of honeys by pollen analysis. This work allows them to define the range of Corsican honey varieties. At the same time, a beekeepers’ training scheme is put in place. 1982 : A decree forbids the introduction of exogenous bees to preserve the island’s genetic heritage. Stage 3: Creation of structuring tools 1980-1990 : Creation of departmental beekeepers’ unions and health protection groups. The beekeepers acquire tools to defend the development project and set up health monitoring. Stage 4: Certification of Corsican honey • 1991 : Creation of the Regional Union for the Defence and Promotion of Corsican Honey Quality (Syndicat régional de défense et de promotion de la qualité du miel corse), the aim of which is to complete the necessary procedures to obtain a CDO. This certification is based on ancestral skills, a native bee and the richness of the island’s flora.
• 1998 : Publication of the decree to obtain the CDO. The Regional Union becomes the CDO Honey of Corsica’s Union (Syndicat AOC Miel de Corse – Mele di Corsica) • 2000 : The PDO is obtained, which means that the honey is protected throughout the EU. • 2008 : The Union for the CDO Honey of Corsica becomes a Defence and Management Organisation (DMO/ODG). • 2010 : Production of CDO honey: 330 tonnes (1998: 160 tonnes).
© Jean Harixcalde
Approach or methodology used The players form a group to deliver a consistent project: Between 1970 and 1990, the sector moved from a production-based approach to a product-based approach. Instead of focussing on increasing regional production, the professionals decided to follow a quality approach. Why? • For economic reasons: it was important to be able to differentiate the local production in order to occupy a more lucrative niche market, rather than produce generic honey of low added value that would require economies of scale to be made, which was not possible in Corsica. • For cultural reasons: a popular movement to reclaim Corsican culture raised awareness of the importance of saving the island’s heritage, which is one of its treasures. Research/development work: The professionals understood the importance of developing an innovative approach in order to promote the product. This approach was based on the potential of the island environment and traditional skills. A programme was then drawn up: Identification of the regional bee: morphometric study, analysis of annual biological cycles, genetic study. This work led to the identification of a regional ecotype of Apis mellifera mellifera. Characterization of flowers associations: botanical study, melissopalynology, sensorial analysis. Adaptation of agricultural practices: apiaries management, honeyflow monitoring.
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The last two stages led to the creation of a range of varieties made up of 6 categories of honey. Furthermore, in association with an agricultural college, the players set up a beekeepers’ training scheme aimed at young farmers, taking account of the island’s specific features. The research work was carried out by the “Miel et Pollen” (Honey and Pollen) association with the support of the Regional Centre for Innovation and Technology Transfer (Centre Régional pour l’Innovation et le Transfert de Technologie CRITT) and the University of Corsica.
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Structuring tools: Alongside these actions, new provincial producers’ unions and health groups were created in order to: better support and defend the sector’s work with institutions, coordinate technical and health actions, support beekeepers. One of the difficulties they encountered lay in uniting all the players, and making them aware of the justification for the approach and the importance of solidarity in facing the challenges that lay ahead. The six categories of the PDO Honey of Corsica
Certification of Corsican honey: The process was launched in 1991 with the creation of the Regional Union for the Defence and Promotion of Corsican Honey Quality. An application for PDO certification was made in 1993 to the National Institute of Appellations of Origin (Institut National des Appellations d’Origine - INAO). In 1994, a board of inquiry proposed accession to CDO status in principle, but asked the profession to define its regional areas more clearly. The decree of achievement of CDO status was published in January 1998, followed by that of PDO status in 2000. As a result of obtaining the CDO, a selection station was set up in 2004 and more bees were introduced, in order to provide young farmers with swarms, improve the local bees’ performance and increase CDO production.
17 The role of public actors partner of the Honey of Corsica’s chain «Miel et Pollen» Laboratory Chamber of agriculture, Beekeepers’ unions, GDSAs
National institute of origin and quality
d Designation of O tecte Pro rig in edge of Corsican Honeys l w o n K ct Produ
ST A T I
Organisation Technical support
N O Tec Tra in h
In cr ea se
ct
ion
O. Initial Training
D.
Corsican Corsican bee flora
R.
“Collective approach” marketing support
C.
A.
.R C
Establishing and developing bee farms
su
Beekeepers
g
pp or nu m t be rs
ction Conditions Inspect Produ ion
ising and rch Me . n .C tio ta .A pu .P Re .E
CFPPA Borgo
Sé le
in
ca l
in
Inspect ion
N TIO MO RO P
CTOA, ODARC, Chamber of agriculture
ni
Approval
CORSICAN HONEY P.D.O. UNION «MIEL DE CORSE - MELE DI CORSICA»
Results obtained & Impacts Impact on the development of the sector: in terms of new businesses: in 1997, thirty or so beekeepers supported the drive to achieve CDO status. In 2010, the CDO Honey of Corsica’s Union had 87 members. In the 2008-2010 period, 14 new businesses started up in the sector. in terms of production: CDO production went from 160 tonnes to 330 tonnes between 1998 and 2010. in terms of price: between 1998 and 2009, the price of honey in constant euros increased by around 27% for farm gate prices and by 9% for retail prices. Thus, the value of the total production of CDO honey in 2010 has been estimated at 2.3 million euros. This production was estimated to be worth less than one million euros in 1999. Impact on the area:
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Maintaining an active population in the rural environment. Conservation of landscapes and local breeds. Development of agri-tourism (rural fairs, farm visits, honey centre,...) Identification and recognition of Corsican agricultural products. Agricultural products are vehicles for the image of Corsica (highlighting its gastronomic aspect, promoting its territories)
Conclusion Adapting production to demand requires permanent synergies between players upstream and downstream of the food chain. Therefore, improving the competitiveness of the agricultural and agri-food sector means laying the foundations for an organisational structure that will make it possible to constantly adapt to changes in the market, and even pre-empt them. These synergies are developed by organising the sector into production chains. Indeed, this form of organisation must allow the sector to structure itself collectively in order to study the product and production systems, and also to use the collective structure to carry out operations that a single farm could not achieve alone, either because it would not have the means to do so, or because isolated action would be totally unproductive. The ultimate aim of this structuring activity must be to implement common strategies between the upstream and downstream ends of the chain. These strategies may in particular be based on obtaining an official quality sign, which is an effective structuring factor in agricultural and rural development, for several reasons: • Product quality and certification help differentiate them from standard products and thus make it easier to promote them and improve producers’ income; • Quality and certification have proven to be an effective tool for protecting skills and ensuring the long-term survival of related products and production activities, which are located in rural areas, often in difficult environments; • Improving product quality is a lever for orientation, development and land management, especially through the link to the place of origin and the resource as a basis for the product’s typical characteristics and identity (in particular genetic
resources such as local breeds) • Finally, a range of certified quality products is a strong factor in building a region’s gastronomic image. Structured production chains and product certification have several impacts: In terms of quality: bringing people together into producer groups to exchange information on their production methods, and having them conduct research into improving the quality of their production, improves product knowledge. Thanks to these exchanges, production is optimised, product knowledge is increased and skills are preserved and even developed. Moreover, this relational space offers other prospects for dialogue, in the area of marketing for example. In terms of quantity: certification, accompanied by product promotion through an official quality sign, generally leads to an increase in demand. There is then a scarcity issue, which has a significant economic effect. Producers who have a product that is better promoted, sells well and generates income are tempted to produce more. We then see production growing. In terms of spatial planning and maintaining biodiversity: certification, especially PDO status, is a tool that helps establish and strengthen activity in the designation areas, which are generally rural areas experiencing a decline in activity and facing demographic problems. Certification is also an effective instrument for land management and biodiversity, as it makes it possible to preserve traditional landscapes and local breeds. In cultural terms: the product is the result of a geographical environment, which includes natural and human factors. Certification helps to regenerate places and encourages people to recognise them as places of value rather than disadvantaged areas. Moreover, as the product is a reflection of local skills and their transmission and evolution, it also has value for the people who live in these places, their history and their culture.
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THE AGRISLES SUCCESS STORIES BOOKLETS SERIES
The partners of the MED AGRISLES project, representing public authorities in charge of agriculture and rural development in the Balearic islands (Spain), Corsica (France, project lead partner), Sardinia and Sicily (Italy), Gozo (Malta), the Northern Sporades (Thessaly) and North-Aegean archipelagos (Greece), the Cyprus island (Cyprus) and the Azores (Portugal), altogether are exchanging experiences and developing a common method for non-technological innovation in agriculture and rural development. They publish a series of booklets to disseminate identified best practices on this issue. This example of good practice in Corsica shows a successful approach to nontechnological innovation in agriculture: the organization of the Corsican Honey sector. It is based on obtaining an official quality mark, which represents an undeniable criterion for characterizing the quality of the product and a major tool to make the best of it.
www.agrisles.eu
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