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Agriculture

Pride in the Alps

The Hautes-Alpes occupies a unique position in the French agricultural landscape. France’s leading organic department, the region has made quality, diversity and generational renewal the cornerstones of its development. This dynamic is embodied in the Projet Alimentaire Territorial (P.A.T.) des Hautes-Alpes, which structures local initiatives around local, sustainable agriculture, while strengthening its economic appeal.

Young
farmers

At a time when agriculture in France is facing a drop in the number of new farmers, the Hautes-Alpes stands out: every farmer who retires is offset by the arrival of a young farmer. This renewal, a French exception, testifies to the vitality of the sector and the region’s ability to attract new farmers. The département’s agricultural sectors are particularly diversified: livestock (pigs, sheep, cattle, poultry), beekeeping (honey), field crops and cereals, market gardening, viticulture, perfume, aromatic and medicinal plants, arboriculture (particularly apple growing), as well as dairy, goat and horse breeding. And there’s no shortage of quality labels: IGP Agneau de Sisteron, IGP Vins des Hautes-Alpes, IGP Pomme des Alpes de Haute Durance and, currently being awarded, AOP Bleu du Queyras and IGP Tomme du Champsaur.

P. Domeyne – AD05

Quality
and local channels

The vast majority of products are distributed via short or local circuits, strengthening the direct link between producers and consumers. This organization enhances local roots and supports a local agricultural economy. At the same time, the entire industry is working to meet the challenges of global warming by adapting crops. This is where agricultural irrigation is among the most virtuous.

P. Domeyne – AD05

Anexport-oriented
orchard

Alongside this local logic, arboriculture occupies a special place. The Hautes-Alpes is one of France’s largest orchards, with apples and pears grown on a large scale and exported far beyond the region. This sector makes a major contribution to the département’s agricultural balance of trade, and illustrates its recognized expertise, regularly showcased as a source of pride for the Hautes-Alpes region at key events such as the Salon de l’Agriculture. The flagship of this production remains the emblematic Golden apple.