Hello Laurent, can you introduce yourself in a few words: who are you, where do you sell from, what do you do?

I was born in Tours and I'm a Parisian by adoption.

My professional journey as an investor led me step by step into the world of organic farming, which I was passionate about for the values ​​it embodies, and to which I wanted to dedicate myself.

This is how I conceived the thesis of the first and only private equity fund in France entirely dedicated to financing SMEs in the organic sectors, BIO FILIERES DURABLES, which was gradually established from 2022 to 2024 and is managed by ESFIN Management, management company subsidiary of Crédit Coopératif.

This fund has €40 million and, in line with the values ​​promoted by BIO, incorporates a strong commitment to sustainability and impact.

We are currently deploying it to support the development and transmission of organic companies French. At this stage, the fund already supports the companies AGRIBIO UNION, NATIMPACT, COMPAGNIE LEA NATURE, ATELIERS BIO DE PROVENCE and BIODIS, knowing that we are also partners of other BIO players in the context of operations prior to the creation of BIO FILIERES DURABLES.

The future seems brighter for organic. How are you experiencing this?

The positive signs of recovery in organic consumption are indeed amplifying, with a return from mass retail after the confirmation of the improvement for specialist stores.

This is very encouraging and we remain confident in the future even though the scars of the crisis are still visible, particularly in agriculture.

Having been in regular contact with them, I have noticed a clear improvement in the morale of the leaders over the past six months, who are once again allowing themselves to think about projects and initiatives even if their implementation may be delayed by the current instability and the budgetary, fiscal and regulatory uncertainties that come with it.

What are the Sustainable Bio Sector projects to support the sector?

BIO FILIERES DURABLES has capital available to support stakeholders in the organic sector, whether they are agricultural groups, food processors, wholesalers, or specialized distributors. Our ability to finance supply chains from upstream to downstream over significant periods can provide security and reassurance for moving forward.

What are your expectations for the next edition of Natexpo in 2025?

I hope to feel the positive energy of the sector in the aisles, to visit the exhibitors to discover their new products, listen and exchange with stakeholders to strongly promote the organic ecosystem.

Your daily organic reflex?

I eat 100% organic food every day at home, and once on vacation I take great pleasure in meeting organic farmers who sell directly.