How Biocoop's sourcing is adapting to climate change

France's leading organic chain now represents 730 cooperative shops and 23 producer groups. Created in the 80s, when organic produce was still rare, Biocoop has in its DNA the organisation of its own sourcing. ‘We see an increase in the impact of climate change on our producers, sometimes with economic consequences for them’, said Stéphane Durand, head of Biocoop's F&V supply-chain, at a conference of the French trade fair Medfel, dedicated to climate and alternative crops. ‘We try to support them in making changes to their crops, but they are in the best position to know what alternatives are available in their area. Biocoop's sourcing strategy is twofold, to ensure that its stores are supplied on a daily basis: relocating certain products to France, and sourcing as closely as possible, while diversifying production areas.

The challenge of choosing varieties

‘At Biocoop, we are distributors, retailers and activists all rolled into one, which also means that we have higher requirements than the Organic standard, which sometimes means higher risks for producers,’ explains Stéphane. He gives the example of organic cauliflower cultivation, where there are fewer and fewer non-MCS hybrid seeds available, making it increasingly difficult for growers to cope with unforeseen events.  (CMS stands for Cytoplasmic Male Sterility. It is a genetic manipulation considered ‘minor’ and not included in the definition of GMOs. The Biocoop quality charter and the Demeter biodynamic standard prohibit it). Biocoop is also working with its potato growers on more ‘robust’ varieties, i.e. more resistant to disease or drought, for example, but is also testing their taste and marketing potential for the consumer and the point of sale.

Principles of supply-chain and seasonnality

From the outset, the Biocoop chain has been organised around a principle of supply-chain, in order to integrate producers and ensure the supply of its stores. ‘70% of the fruit and vegetables we buy in France come from our own growing partners, and only 16% of fruit and vegetables are imported,’ says Stéphane. Local sourcing and seasonality are also priorities for the shops. ‘Our assortment is smaller than in most conventional or organic shops because of our strong emphasis on seasonality,’ says Stéphane. He believes that climate change could be an opportunity to relocate certain crops in France. He cites the example of citrus fruit, where 55% of clementines and 80% of pomelos are already sourced in Corsica, and this figure is set to rise in the future. Avocados, oranges and lemons of French origin have also made their appearance. A change of origin is also worth considering, according to Stéphane, if it is justified on ecological grounds. He cites the example of the Kenyan avocado, which has a carbon footprint very similar to that of the Malaga avocado, but a much lower water footprint. ‘In the region where we source it, the producers manage to grow avocados without irrigation, thanks to the local wet conditions,’ says Stéphane.

Biocoop, a unique cooperative model

In January, the chain sent out a message to consumers: ‘Paysan.ne.s Associé.e.s’, reminding them that Biocoop is not a franchise, but a network of independent players working to develop organic farming. The cooperative is organised into several colleges: shops, producer groups, consumer associations and employees. It is a unique model of governance in Europe: although its shops are the most recognisable with their blue facades, they are not the only decision-makers, nor are they the only members of the cooperative! Producer groups are also involved in the life of the network and are represented on its Board of Directors. In this way, they can influence the decisions of the cooperative chain. 4 agricultural sectors are represented: dairy products, meat, cereals and protein crops, fruit and vegetables, dairy products and meat.