AOP, Label Rouge, Who’s the boss, Thank you… Which brands should we choose to help farmers?

Dilemma in the supermarket. To support farmers who have been protesting for ten days to seek government action and recognition, consumers are especially encouraged to buy local produce.

Faced with the confusion that an abundance of labels can cause, we take stock of what we can choose to help without spending hours on the shelves.

Official marks of trust and quality

At the top of the list of the most commonly cited marks that guarantee product quality and fair remuneration for farmers: official marks. Some are recognized only in France, others throughout the European Union. “We can be trusted, they still have the advantage of being managed by the Ministry of Agriculture,” says Olivier Douwers, founder of Le Web Grande Conso, a website specializing in mass consumption.

From the famous AOP (Protected Designation of Origin) to Red Label, including AOC (Controlled Designation of Origin), IGP (Protected Geographical Indication) or AB (Organic Agriculture), Quality Certification, STG (Traditional Products Guaranteed)… Seven official labels serve as a reference in supermarkets. “They guarantee at least French origin and a level of production that is controlled and certified.”

Moreover, if these official labels constitute guarantees for consumers, they are not aimed at better rewarding producers. “AOC or Label Rouge… This does not guarantee that the breeder is well paid, but that the product is developed under certain rules or in a certain territory. These are not the same thing: there are signs of quality that guarantee income, and others that guarantee origin. »

Labels guaranteeing fair trade in France

Unofficial labels also emphasize the guarantees offered to manufacturers. This is a case of “Who’s the Boss”. With farmers fully mobilized, he repeats his promise and offers producers a higher standard of living. The label is based on consumer votes. They themselves determine the criteria that allow them to label products “Who’s the Boss”.

“This ensures that the breeder is well paid,” says Olivier Douwers. For example, the remuneration is 540 euros per tonne of milk, compared to 420 euros at traditional dairies.” Another approach that ensures livestock farmers are fairly compensated. Responsible milkers with accurate data on the price of milk and the time the cows spend on pasture.

The Fair France label also places special emphasis on rewarding farmers: “This is a guarantee that the breeder is paid more than the average.” Other brands of this type, such as Agra Ethique France, Bio Equitable in France, Fair for Life or Max Havelaar, promise consumers that the entire production chain brings a fair return.

Please note that some products, depending on the labeling, may come from other countries and therefore benefit foreign producers – a criterion by which it can be monitored whether the aim is to help French farmers specifically.

Widespread

With mass distribution, there are also ranges that allow farmers to pay better. “This is the case with the Merci line from Intermarché. Farmers are paid better than if they were not in this range. Their reward is even written on the labels,” explains the specialist.

Likewise, the Leclerc brand offers an “Engaged” range of twenty products that support producers and breeders through increased rewards. Other network initiatives also include sourcing from local producers (Local Alliances) or helping French farms (Support Our Farmers) for thirty of the flagship brand’s products.

Things to keep in mind to support farmers on supermarket shelves: official labels guaranteed to be error-free, as well as fair trade labels that put producers at the center of their thoughts.