The French government is aiming for 15% of agricultural acreage to be organic by 2022 (compared to 6.5% currently), however the financing has raised doubts amongst some associations and syndicates. The Plan Ambition Bio 2022 will make aid for farmers converting to organic production more comprehensible. The Plan will also aim for 20% of products in state run canteens to be organic and to develop the offer in commercial restaurants. New European organic standards will be implemented in 2021 and the state has promised to work alongside farmers for their new projects.
The €1.1 billion financing was announced early April and has been confirmed. Conversion aid represents €630 million from the Feader fund (European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development) and €200 million from State credit. The Organic Future fund will increase from €4 million to €8 million and the tax credit for organic farmers has been extended to 2020 and increased from €2,500 to €3,500. However, the National Federation of Organic Agriculture has voiced doubts concerning the funding. Six of the regions distributing Feader funds have already spent their allowance available until 2020 (Brittany, Loire, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Occitanie, Centre-Loire Valley, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes) and the rest have all spent at least two thirds of theirs.