I finally have some time to write, although it is without spell-check, so what I write is subject to a little error.
We’ve just finished our first week in Montpellier, living at the University L’Agro. My French skills have seen a marked improvement, and although I am still unable to carry on a full conversation, I can generally understand what everyone is talking about! Thanks to my Spanish skills.
Anyway, this first week has been busy. We actually haven’t been able to go to many farms yet, but there have been many interesting debates over issues concerning farming.
Just like in the U.S. France is facing issues of urbanization and sprawling suburbs. While their suburbs are much more conscience of land use, and reserve much of their land for natural purposes, many of the people are still flocking to Montpellier because of the climate. The houses we saw in the burbs were each worth about 1 million (US) dollars, because land prices and building costs are still high. In stark contrast, we also visited an ancient community just outside Montpellier, whose centre square was built in 1024. It had all of the typical European design features that you think about in an old town; tile rooves, narrow stone streets, iron balconies and nice cafes surrounding the fountain in the middle of town. Needless to say it was beautiful, but few people want to live in these places anymore. Apparently, they have become more individualistic, just as we are in the US and younger generations desire their own space, no matter what the cost.
The group also spent a lot of time talking about issues of labeling, especially concerning grocery stores. We visited one store called Carrefour, which has a great relationship with the farmers who stock its shelves and has the packaging to support their views. They have their store brands well catagorized to help consumers decide how to spend their money. They have the lowest price items branded with a special label, and then the environmentally friendly brands, based on practices the farmers sign off on, labeled boldly. Agriculture Biologique is also featured everywhere- which is the equivalent to Organic in the US. I could talk for quite some time about their labeling system- but all I can say is that I hope the local Meijer’s will be smart enough to invest in something similiar.
Carrefour actually has a mutually beneficial relationship with their local producers, and there is no size requirement in order for a farmer to sell to them. None of the animals are allowed to be given hormones in anything they sell, and of course GMOs are banned.
