Toulouse: meeting between producers and buyers at the Pré de la ferme

“Au pré de la ferme” is a meeting forum between local producers (farmers, stockbreeders, horticulturists, etc.) and buyers of collective catering (boarding schools, nursing homes, municipalities, etc.). The event was organized by the Haute-Garonne departmental council, as part of Agrilocal 31, “a digital platform created in 2016, which connects producers and buyers. It aims to promote the use of short circuits and to support the farmers of the department ”, explains in his speech Bernard Bagnéris, 8th vice-president of the departmental council of Haute-Garonne.

A moment of meeting

On Wednesday afternoon, during the 7th edition of the forum, almost twenty producers were present. “I come every year to the event “Au pré de la ferme”. It’s a moment I wouldn’t miss. It allows us to make ourselves known in schools and nursing homes throughout the region. This is a real asset to us who come from far away. And then it is a great opportunity to diversify our clientele”, confesses Hélène, cheesemaker of the Ferme du Ramier, located in Montauban (82). An opinion shared by Christophe, beekeeper of Apinature: “The Agrilocal 31 platform allows us to work with the municipalities of the region. When we are on our farms, we hardly meet the people we work with. It’s different here. We create links with chefs, we can set up operations and above all we maintain our existing network”.

“Offer local products in canteens”

“We are defending a short circuit throughout the collective catering of our municipality, to maintain quality and sustainable food,” explains Mélanie, representative of the town hall of Cugnaux. “Coming to the forum allows us to meet our food partners of tomorrow. I come here to scout, discuss with producers and above all see which local products would be interesting for our canteens », she adds. As part of the Egalim law, for a healthy and sustainable diet, the Agrilocal platform is committed to offering only local and eco-responsible producers. “The forum is really an opportunity for us to have, in one place, a panel of producers in compliance with this law. Here we can obtain information and discuss our future collaborations”, concludes Cathy, deputy mayor of Montaigut-sur-Save.