Every year, the President CHIRAC attends the International Agricultural Fair in Paris. This year was no exception as he saluted the energy and drive of French agriculture and paid homage to the incredible achievements accomplished by the farming world.

Jacques CHIRAC wanted his 2009 visit to also be identified more specifically with the advocacy of sustainable development and agriculture, two themes at the heart of his foundation’s activities.

Jacques CHIRAC started the morning at the stand of the National Institute of Agronomic Research (INRA) where he had the chance to enquire about their current research. The President of the INRA, Ms. Marion GUILLOU, presented their different projects involving wholesome, high quality food; competitive and sustainable agriculture; and preserving and promoting the environment.

His next stop was with the National Office of Forests, longtime actor in sustainable development where he discussed the vital issue of lumber certification, a fundamental stake in the sustainable management of our forests. Indeed, one of the Fondation’s first projects centers on the certification of Congo forest concessions (to learn more about the project, click here).

Then, the exhibitors at the “Pomme Ariane” offered a taste of their apples, the result of INRA’s varietal creation program, with an environmentally friendly production process. This apple has received the “Naturianes®” approval.

Jacques Chirac also discovered the work of the Integrated and Environmentally Friendly Agricultural Forum (Forum de l’Agriculture raisonnée respectueuse de l’environnement – FARRE). Created in 1993, this association raises awareness and supports integrated agricultural. FARRE works with a network of 400 demonstration farms that fulfill the criteria in their “integrated agriculture referential”. Amongst other things, it certifies the traceability of practices, the methods of mineral and organic fertilization, the well-being of livestock, waste management….

These initiatives, amongst many others present at the Agricultural fair, all strive towards the healthy and respectful development of natural resources. Through his Fondation, the former President of the Republic has dedicated himself to this kind of development, to “guarantee the conditions of existence for future generations and allow humanity to continue its course of history” (speech from June 9, 2008).