Drome, department 

Drôme, at the heart of the region Auvergne-Rhône-AlpesThe Drôme region is distinguished by its rich history, culture and natural landscapes. With 516,762 inhabitants in 2019, this département takes its name from the Drôme river, and is characterized by its geographical diversity and rich heritage. Surrounded by the departments ofArdèchetheIsèreand Hautes-Alpesand Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and VaucluseIts capital, Valence, plays a central role in the region. Comprising 363 communes, Drôme is home to treasures of medieval architecture and breathtaking landscapes, such as the Vercors Regional Nature Park. It is famous for its historic towns and villages, including Romans-sur-Isère and Montélimar, reminiscent of Provence. This département skilfully blends tradition and innovation, offering a remarkable quality of life and economic opportunities, particularly in organic farming, making it an example of sustainable development.

The rise of organic farming in Drôme

A historic commitment to organic

The history of organic farming in the Drôme goes back to the 1960s, marked by the emergence of the first pioneers of this practice. The back-to-nature movement of 1968 stimulated the development of organic farming, which is characterized by the rejection of chemical pesticides and fertilizers in favor of natural solutions. Founded in 1962, the Association Française pour l'Agriculture Biologique (AFAB) was instrumental in promoting and regulating organic farming in France. The Diois region of the Drôme is particularly active in the organic sector. Entities such as Corabio contribute to the development and organization of organic producers, supporting this initiative. The adoption of organic farming by neo-rurals and local farmers is motivated by ethical and environmental considerations, with the aim of preserving a sustainable future for future generations.

Statistics and economic impact

Drôme is recognized as France's leading organic department, thanks to its abundance of organic farms and varied production including fruit, vegetables, wine, herbs and livestock. Along with Ardèche, it is the leading French department in terms of the number of organic farms, representing over a third of all farms. The economic impact of organic farming in Drôme is considerable. The steadily growing organic market in France reached 9.7 billion euros in 2018, marking an increase of 15% on the previous year. Mass retail, responsible for 49% of organic sales in 2018, plays a key role, while specialist stores and direct sales account for 34% and 12% of the market respectively. Demand for organic products is growing in all categories, with a clear preference for short distribution channels. This trend favours direct purchases from farms or local shops, supporting the local economy and encouraging agriculture that is both sustainable and efficient.

Innovations and sustainable practices

Cutting-edge technologies and techniques

Drôme stands out as a leader in agricultural and environmental innovation. The Tech&Bio trade show, which has been held in the region since 2007, is a perfect example. It brings together professionals from the agricultural sector to showcase the latest in organic techniques and practices, encouraging innovation and knowledge-sharing. The region adopts environmentally-friendly technologies, including renewable energy production systems such as wind turbines and solar panels. These technologies provide energy for entire structures and villages, such as the vacation village La Fontaine d'Annibal in Buis-les-Baronnies, reducing their impact on the environment. Local companies, such as FabTools, are developing innovative tools like the "Snake" electro-portable crimping tool, which facilitate the work of professionals and private individuals while reducing their ecological footprint.

Exemplary projects and collaborations

The Drôme also shines in terms of projects and collaborations in support of sustainable development. The Biovallée area is a model of experimentation for ecological transition initiatives in rural areas, uniting three inter-communities to promote sustainable practices. Organizations such as Terre de Liens, which acquire farmland to preserve access to it, play an essential role in maintaining sustainable agriculture. Similarly, initiatives such as Villages Vivants encourage citizen investment in local commerce, stimulating the regional economy and supporting ethical agriculture. These collective efforts illustrate Drôme's commitment to sustainable, inclusive and harmonious development, inviting every entity - whether local authority, association, company or citizen - to play an active part in the ecological transition.

Drôme's role in national organic leadership

Training and awareness-raising

Drôme is at the heart of training and awareness-raising for organic farming, both locally and nationally. The Biovallée project, which federates several inter-municipalities, is a perfect illustration of this commitment. It aims to encourage an ecological transition and equip local players with the knowledge they need to adopt sustainable farming practices. The project encompasses awareness-raising and training initiatives targeting farmers, consumers and local elected representatives, enabling them to fully grasp the challenges and benefits of organic farming. In addition, events such as the Tech&Bio trade show, held in the region, serve as a showcase for the latest innovations and techniques in organic farming. They attract professionals and amateurs from all over France, promoting the spread of knowledge and best practices. These events underline Drôme's status as a leader in the organic farming sector.

Influence and collaboration at national level

Drôme has a major influence on national organic farming policy and practice. Recognized as a world leader in the production and processing of organic perfume, aromatic and medicinal plants, it is regularly featured in national debates on sustainable agriculture. The Cosmébio association, based in the Drôme, is a key player in the promotion of ecological and organic cosmetics, influencing national standards and regulations in this field. Drôme is also involved in national collaborations to promote organic farming. Entities such as Agribio Drôme and the Communauté de Communes du Val de Drôme en Biovallée collaborate with national partners to develop strategies for ecological transition and support public policies in favor of organic farming. These collaborative and influential efforts position the Drôme as a leading example of organic farming in France, encouraging other regions to follow suit in the move towards more sustainable and ethical agriculture.

Conclusion

Drôme is a pioneer in organic farming and sustainable development in France. Thanks to its long-standing commitment, innovative technical advances and exemplary partnerships, it has become a national benchmark. Its efforts in training and raising awareness of eco-responsible practices, coupled with its notable impact on agricultural policies, accentuate its influence in promoting virtuous agriculture. Adopting the Drôme approach is essential to forging a greener future, where all stakeholders are invited to play an active part in the ecological transition. It's time to take action for a greener, more ethical agriculture, by following the example of Drôme's successes.

FAQ

What is the number of the Drôme department?

The Drôme department is number 26.

What are the major towns in the Drôme?

The main towns in the Drôme, in terms of population, include Valence, Montélimar, Romans-sur-Isère, Bourg-lès-Valence, Pierrelatte, Bourg-de-Péage, Portes-lès-Valence, Livron-sur-Drôme, Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux, and Crest, according to 2008 statistics.

What are the Drôme's gastronomic specialities?

Drôme is renowned for its gastronomic specialties, including goat's cheese, Swiss croquets, Nyons olives and olive oil, black truffles and Montélimar nougat. It is also renowned for its quality wines, notably Côtes du Rhône and Grignan les Adhemar.

Where is the 26 department located?

Located in France's Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, the 26 department, or Drôme, is in the east of the country, bordered by the Isère and Ardèche departments.