Reference Regions

Reference Regions » Drome Valley (France)

Drome Valley (France)

Description of the Reference Region

The Drôme Valley is located in the French pre-Alps, surrounding the Drôme River. The territory is characterised by important and well-preserved natural areas, and an important agricultural sector. The Northeast of the territory is characterised by middle and high mountains. Agriculture in this area is mainly livestock and small diversified crop farming. In 2002, the territorial brand « Biovallée » was introduced in the Drôme Valley.

Selected Value Chain

The selected value chain (VC) is sheep meat locally produced and valorised. Extensive breeding and pastoralism within the middle mountains is an example of an integrated mountain value chain providing economic, environmental and cultural value in rural areas.

This value chain is particularly well organised at the local level: most of the production is valorised and marketed in a local supply channel, creating economic value and activity in the territory, and providing a high quality local food supply. However, current environmental pressures and overexploitation of the mountain’s natural resources are endangering pastoral practices.

The project will collect field data and contribute to put forward concrete policies that support pastoral practices and valorise ecosystem and local value produced.

Multi-Actor Platform (MAP) members

The Multi-Actor Platform consists of pastoral and sheep meat experts such as technical supporting structures, local authorities (municipalities, departments, etc.), National Park, researchers, breeders and groups of breeders, local slaughtering houses and butchers, local supply actors and other relevant actors.