IMPRESA case study brief: Transition to organic production - The case of the Camargue in France

Summary

This case study focuses on the transition to organic farming in the French Camargue. A research programme was launched in the year 2000 with the objective of expanding organic farming in the territory and thus responding to the severe environmental problems, e.g. the pollution of the Rhône River. The main impacts of the research – additionally driven by external factors, especially economic ones – are the increase in the surface under organic rice (the main crop in the territory) as well as increased revenues at farm level. We hereby trace back the innovation pathway, describe the key influencing factors and draw general conclusions for research and innovation in EU agriculture.