In many biosphere reserves, the promotion of local quality products is an important task. It highlights local food, seasonality, resilience and the role of agriculture in the ecological transition…

This is why the Minett UNESCO Biosphere has decided to support initiatives to structure and promote local production. The objective is clear: boost the local offer to meet the growing demand of consumers looking for greater traceability and proximity. (See: Conclusions of the study on demand carried out in 2020-2021 – phase I of the territorial diagnosis).

Thus, on Tuesday 4 April 2023, about fifteen people met at the Ellergronn for the whole afternoon to react on the summary of the results of the analysis of the local food supply (phase II). This analysis was presented by “Demain Autrement“, the consultancy firm commissioned to carry out an analysis of the available offer. Then, over a period of two hours, elected officials, local and state civil servants, academics and other stakeholders, divided into three workshops, were able to reflect on the policy of promoting local food products to be implemented by the Syndicat PRO-SUD, in its capacity as manager of the Luxembourg biosphere reserve, based on the project ideas suggested by the producers interviewed.

© Yann Logelin / PRO-SUD

Based on a satisfactory response rate of 18% of the producers contacted, it can be seen that the need for recognition of know-how and product quality is particularly sought after by producers interested in doing short circuits for part of their production. The seasonal productions are varied: Vegetables, tubers, fruit, meat (beef, pork, sheep, poultry), milk, eggs, cereals, alcoholic beverages, … But there is a lack of processing facilities for local products in the region.

Challenges and potential directions

The participants discussed at length the challenges facing agriculture, as the subject is crucial for the future. In particular, the question of how to attract and help young people to start an activity, and moreover in the short circuit, when every 25 years, the number of farmers is divided by two in Luxembourg. In the picture that was drawn up, several lines of action that the Minett UNESCO Biosphere could take were identified during this workshop to make its contribution to the revitalization of the local offer. For example, it could act as an intermediary to create synergies between stakeholders and find sustainable financing: farm visits by schools, product marketing assistance, coordination of a biannual regional event such as “Au goût du terroir“, seen as a showcase for products but also as an incubator for young producers, regional communication of what exists, meetings on the farm for personalized support on both decarbonation (Klima-Biergerrot) and more environmentally friendly agriculture, etc.

A written document containing the results will be available by mid-June this year. In addition, a strategy and a multi-annual work programme adapted to the competences of PRO-SUD and inspired by the territorial diagnosis and the exchanges between actors will be the subject of work in the second half of 2023.