french certifying bodies

How do we know our wines are organic or biodynamic? All our partners have achieved certification from one of the relevant bodies in France (equivalent to the soil association in the UK), so we are guaranteed that the wines they produce are organic or biodynamic. Once achieved, each vineyard is inspected on a regular basis to ensure that the standards are being maintained.

There are several certification bodies in France, accredited by the French Government and all of which will guarantee that the wines being produced are compliant with organic or biodynamic farming practices. The bottom line is that, whichever body does the accreditation, the consumer can be assured of the production methods.

Agriculture Biologique

The AB Logo is the national logo for organic products (AB = Agriculture Biologique), which is owned by the French state. Organic products can be labelled with this logo when they contain more than 95 percent organic components, were produced or processed within the EU, and were certified by one of the inspection bodies accredited by the State, indicating that they farm in a way that is based upon practical methods of production that respect the natural balance of the earth. They also exclude the use of synthetic chemical products and any genetically modified materials.

The mark is a guarantee that the producer is preserving the quality of the soil, encouraging biodiversity and selling a natural product. All of our producers are entitled to use this logo.

For those who wish to find out more (this site is in French) click here

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Demeter

Demeter is the certifying body for wines from Biodynamic Agriculture. Only strictly controlled and contractually bound partners are permitted to use the logo on their products. A comprehensive verification process ensures strict compliance with the International Demeter Production and Processing Standards, as well as applicable organic regulations; through every step, from agricultural production to processing and final product packaging.

Not only do they exclude the use of synthetic fertilisers and chemical plant protection agents in agricultural crop production, or artificial additives during processing, but also require very specific measures to strengthen the life processes in soil and foodstuffs.

For more information on Demeter click here

In the UK, an organisation called the Biodynamic Agricultural Association (BDAA) owns and administers the Demeter Certified Trademark. For more information click here

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ECOCERT

As one of the French inspection and certification bodies, ECOCERT is approved by the French "Committee for Accreditation", which requires independence, competence and impartiality. The ECOCERT brand is a strong one in France and is a mark of recognition for the professional vignerons who are anxious to achieve and demonstrate a high quality product. It is recognized by french consumers, who hold it to be a symbol of professionalism, consistency and quality of product and commitment to organic practices. They also certify biodynamic producers with a "biodyvin" title.

Through this high acceptance from producers and consumers, ECOCERT has become one of the leaders in organic certification across the globe, and represents more than 70% of organic producers in France. For more information click here.

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Qualité France

Qualité France is another of the independent, state approved organisation that will certify and continually inspect the organic production methods of its producers. The use of the logo guarantees organic producton methods through regular inspections of the production methods by visits to the producers. The body emphasises that checks are in place on all aspects of the growing and packaging cycles and that an emphasis there is a focus on sustainable development.

Qualité France is becoming more established as a “brand” in France, particularly within wine production. For more information (in French) click here

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Nature et Progres

Nature et Progres brands itself as an association of consumers and professionals united in a common cause. As with the other bodies, once certification is achieved, a rigorous regime of inspections continues to guarantee compliance against the principles and practices of organic farming. They define their approach as one that:

• respects man, animals, plants and the planet.
• encourages biodiversity and is guarantee of natural flavours and healthy products
• encourages the preserveation of the country way of life
• uses the knowledge and experience of country workers.

For access to their French website, click here

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ULASE

Ulase is another of the certifying bodies approved by the French government. It brands itself as young and dynamic and, as with the other bodies, reviews validates and then inspects on a regular basis the complete process for an individual producer to ensure that it falls within the agreed parameters of organic farming.

It also allows the producer access to various organic and professional organisations and markets.

For access to their French website, click here

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