This experience led since 1995 in the South of France arose from the initiative of two persons relieved by associations. The one, specialist of the creation of media events , the other professional gardener specialized in the collection of the forgotten vegetables.

One can decompose it into three phases:

1. The Market of biodiversity of Arles in 1996
2. The attempt of constitution of an associative network between 1997 and 1999
3. The creation of a company and a commercial site in 2000

 

I - MARKET OF MEDITERRANEAN BIODIVERSITY 

The objective was to make a demonstration intended for the general public to explain in a concrete way what is biodiversity, its importance as preservation of the balance of the environment, as a guarantee for the consumer and as cultural patrimony.

During ten days we presented to the public several hundred of fruits and vegetables, in the natural state and transformed, from seven countries: Algeria, Spain, France, Italy, Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey.

Every product was the object of an index card of presentation and every country was represented with members of associations or producers. According to their rarity, products were either exposed, or in tasting, or in sale. We had recreated the structure of a real market and also a central garden with about 300 variety show of plants and Mediterranean trees. Success was very important: about 15 000 guests really enthusiastic to discover or to rediscover fruits and vegetables of the Mediterranean countries.

We had during the year preceding the Market made numerous animations in schools and we had a very important school public.

It was an heavy operation in financial means because preparation lasted more than year:

4. constitution of the Mediterranean network
5. collection and check of data on products
6. logistic and media preparation

The financing of 180 000 Euros had been found with the European Commission, different ministries, regional institutions and foundations.

II - ATTEMPT OF CONSTITUTION OF A MEDITERRANEAN NETWORK

From this success which showed the interest of the public for the biodiversity if one puts it in its plate, we continued to lead initiatives of smaller scale in the South of France but especially we tried to establish a data base on the Mediterranean products.

Idea was already to create an Internet site of marketing of authenticated "biodiversity » products.

Regrettably, the idea of electronic business had not yet made its road in France especially with financeurs and with associative environment. We eventually abandoned for lack of financial means.

III - CREATION OF A COMPANY AND A INTERNET SITE

The interest of the public for a healthy and diversified food growing in view of all the accidents due to the extensive agriculture, we decided, Jean-Luc Danneyrolles and myself to acte together again but in a private capacity while keeping « associative spirit ".

Jean Luc is a farmer and for fifteen years he looks for, collects "old" variety show of vegetables. He became one of references in subject, notably as regards tomatoes, peppers, hot peppers. He sells the production on Apt's market and for ten years diffuse a small catalog very known for gardeners amateurs.

In six months and with little financial investment ( 7000 Euros) but a lot of work we have create a site of electronic business with secure payment. This site presents 342 vegetables and rare plants cultivated in biologic agriculture.

We are regularly quoted as one of best site on the garden.

Operational since January, we know that we will need certain time to make profitable it but we trust completely in spite of the fears which arouses the on-line payment.

Besides, it allows us to have reactions and demands of very different people.

We opened the site to the association which accompanies us: « L’ALLEE » and of which objective is to propose garden as a separate education at the school. Within this association we lead actions in primary and secondary schools.

PERSPECTIVES

Our experience showed us that the actions of sensitization are necessary but ask for important financial means and that it is very difficult to last.

The commercial act, when one has something good and healthy to propose is a valuable and particularly honest act.

It can lead only through a company. Associations have another role to be played.

Demand is more and more strong on the Mediterranean qualitative products and it should a chance be seized for the producers of the countries of Mediterranée.

We can put our experience in the service of those that wish it.

We are preparing the version in English of our site and we are ready to welcome initiatives of valuation of products stemming from the biodiversity.