Commodity chain : Aromatic and medicinal plants - south East
- Country :
- France
- Production area :
- South East of France
- Start date of the Organic Solidarity program :
- December 2009
- Number of recipients :
- 46 producers
- Crop :
- 27 varieties of perfume, aromatic or healing plants (lavender, thyme, sage, rosemary, bee balm…)
- Surface area :
- 380 ha (950 acres)
Background History of the Commodity Chain
As soon as 1986, contracts were signed with producers to guarantee the supplies of plants, fruits and essential oils to SANOFLORE laboratories. The number of producers having increased, grouping together was considered matter of fact in 1983. The grouping was named SICA BIO-PLANTES. In 1998, the fruit activity is stopped and sold to the subcontractor. SICA BIO-PLANTES is dissolved and created again with only 18 plant producers in November 1998. The official recognition by the Ministry of Agriculture as an Organisation of Producers is achieved in 2000. The SICA continues to grow to reach 49 members in 2009, farming on 380 ha (950 acres), corresponding to 17% of the area cultivated in France with Bio varieties of perfume and healing plants.
Description of the partnership
A long term commitment: farmers get a commitment of purchase on their production for 5 renewable years.
A technical support is given by SICA's qualified staff to the producers, with on site visits, phoning advice, organisation and follow-up of agricultural tests and providing of equipment suitable for bio-agriculture. This is codified by an agreement on the availability of staff.
A quality and price committee has been implemented to share the various analysis conducted by the laboratory (organoleptic quality, microbiology, ...).
Partners
SICA BIO-PLANTES Sarl (group of producers), ELIXENS FRANCE, SANOFLORE (laboratory), Farm of the horticultural college of Romans (production), BIO PLANTES ENERGIE, AGRIBIO DROME, CORABIO, ITEIPMAI (technical institute specialised in plants), CNPMAI (National conservatory of healing, aromatic and industrial plants)
Internal Commitment of some of the partners for a sustainable production
Environmental policy of SANOFLORE: honouring the specifications of COSMEBIO, presence of a rain water tank of 3,000 m3, waste recycled as fertilisers,...
Social policy of SANOFLORE: regular safety training of staff, presence of a saving plan fro employees, availability of a basket of bio products to staff, positive audit in March 2009 covering ethics and social responsibilities.
Social policy of SICA BIO PLANTES: partnership with centres for work for the disabled, employment of disabled persons,...
Companies engaged in this Commodity Chain
ELIXENS FRANCE, CAI
