The recent Salon International de l'Agriculture trade fair in Paris witnessed the launch of a new eco-friendly label, Bee Friendly, whose purpose is to address the grave issue of the decline of bees and other pollinators.
The label was made public by Olivier Belval, a beekeeper in Cévennes who presides over this association, made up of three European beekeeping organisations, UNAF, UNAAPI and EPBA.
The aim of the label is to encourage consumers to purchase products that are grown in ways respectful to pollinators and to give these items added value.
To be eligible for use of the label, farmers must meet 27 measurable criteria, concerning traceability, crop rotation, GM use and biodiversity maintenance.
Bertrand Auzeral, a beekeeper in Lot-et-Garonne, commented: 'I am seeing a tendency toward farming that is more respectful to pollinators, and heading in this direction is in the interests of everyone: beekeepers, producers and consumers.'
French minister of agriculture Stéphane Le Foll, who was present during the launch, recalled that the government had invested €40m to prevent bee decline and highlighted the need for global action and the collaboration of everyone in the sector.
'This label is one part of a wider movement that includes the environment and the economy and is at the heart of the evolution of agriculture,' he said.
Through the Demain La Terre network, Bee Friendly-labelled fruit and vegetables will reportedly be appearing on shelves by the end of the year.
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