Demain la Terre has recently rewarded the actions carried out by its members at the social, environmental and economic level. The association reflects on the interest of the approach and its reference in terms of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility).
“So far, Demain la Terre has 10 themes and 70 criteria relating to sustainable development, for which the members are committed to a process of continuous improvement,” explains Damien Sanchez, communication manager of the association. “This base is the same for all companies, which they of course adapt to their field of activity. For example, water management for vegetables grown in open fields will not be the same as for vegetables grown in greenhouses.”
A complete label, encompassing other certifications
The very comprehensive aspect of the approach is an asset for the companies that wish to obtain other labels such as HEV. The High Environmental Value is based on requirements to achieve results measured by environmental performance indicators in four areas. Demain la Terre is structured around this same obligation of results and means.
“Many of our members therefore obtained the HEV certification, managed collectively by the association. The advantage is twofold. On the one hand, we support them in the process to obtain the label. On the other hand, the 10 themes covered by the reference system of Demain la Terre make it easier for producers of the association to obtain the HEV certification.”
Demain la Terre is also complementary to organic agriculture and the approach to eliminate residues.
A very successful approach according to CTIFL
In 2018, at the request of companies of the fruit and vegetable sector, the Interprofessional Technical Center of Fruit and Vegetables (CTIFL) conducted a study to compare the existing standards within the sector with the evaluation model AFAQ 26 000, developed by AFNOR certification. The goal of this study was to position these standards in comparison with some CSR criteria such as the SR vision and governance, integration and communication, human resources, production methods, territorial anchoring, as well as environmental, social and economic indicators according to the ISO 26000 norm.
“The study revealed Demain la Terre to be the most successful reference in terms of CSR, in comparison with various reference frameworks tested such as BRC, IFS, Fel Excellence, Global Gap, Grasp and Agriculture Biologique. A guarantee for consumers as well as retailers in a context where responsible consumption has become an essential topic.”
Some examples of concrete actions
There are plenty of ways to become a responsible actor at the social, environmental and economic level. Some companies position themselves as committed territorial actors. It is the case of Picvert, whose labor is 90% local. Saveur des Clos is a company that buys 96.5% of its merchandise locally. On the environmental level, UMG sends all its green waste to a biogas plant. Jardin de Rabelais has replaced its disposable gowns with washable ones. In 2020, La Ferme de la Motte planted 1,600 m of hedges with more than 5 local species, bringing the total length of hedges to 5km. And in favor of biodiversity, no less than 500 beehives border the plots of Val de Sérigny, which works with local beekeepers.
The examples of committed societal actions within the framework of Demain la Terre are both very varied and share a common objective, which is to be part of the virtuous circle of sustainability.
For more information:
Marc De Nale
Demain la Terre
[email protected]