Can you tell us a bit about yourself: who are you, where do you come from, what do you do?

I’m Cyrille Moulin and I’m the chairman of the fair trade label Bio Equitable en France. I am also a red berry farmer and market gardener in the Monts du Lyonnais area. In 2012, along with two other fruit farmers, we set up a processing unit, Terretic, next to our farms. This plant makes jams, purees and coulis under our brand name. We have been involved in fair trade issues for a long time, and we initiated and supported the launch of the trading group Etic Monts Bio to sell our red berries – such as strawberries, raspberries and redcurrants – together. This young producer alliance has quickly expanded from five members in 2020 to 17 this year.

The future is starting to look a little brighter for the organic sector. What does the situation look from your perspective?

We have always been confident in the future of the organic sector, even if the market slowed down for a while. This hasn’t stopped us from continuing to develop a variety of projects, including a shop entirely dedicated to fair trade in the middle of our rural community. Thanks to long-term partnerships with our fair trade customers, we have been able to invest and develop our projects. The current upturn in the market confirms that we were right. The fact remains, however, that this recovery, which has been mainly visible in specialist networks, must be sustained, and in particular that organic products must get more exposure in the hospitality sector and mass retail.

What are BIO EQUITABLE EN France’s projects to support the sector?

Our label is stepping up its support for members, particularly producer groups. We support them in calculating production costs, in their governance and in developing their commercial opportunities. Part of the development fund (a premium paid by fair trade customers) is pooled in a fund managed by the label. This fund finances training and development projects. In addition, we bring together the various players to build new fair trade supply chains. For example, we have set up a chain leading to the labelling of 100% French fair trade pasta under the Priméal brand.

We are also continuing our efforts to create solid, fair supply chains that illustrate the importance of ties between the various market players to guarantee an income for producers and secure supplies.

What are you expecting from the next edition of Natexpo in 2025?

At Natexpo 2025, our label will have a stand gathering 10 groups. We will be exhibiting a wide range of labelled products. The aim is to showcase the wealth of diversity represented by our producer members. Through this presence, we are seeking to emphasise that fair trade is a real lever for the development of the organic sector. Natexpo gives us the opportunity to express this ambition.

What’s your everyday organic reflex?

Making a tasty organic meal for family and friends and enjoying a nice Bio Equitable en France-labelled organic beer (please drink responsibly!) 😊.

We look forward to sharing one with you on our stand!