Food Systems in Isère: Agri-Food Hub and Local Supply Chains

The Agroalimentaire Pôle de l'Isère, created in 2016, strengthens local food systems through short-circuit networks managed by farmers. It unites agricultural collectives, chambers of commerce, and agro-food businesses under a six-college governance model. The Pôle drives local supply chain organisation, project support, territorial branding via '[SH]ERE', and technical assistance. Isère hosts 35% of France’s usable agricultural land, with 45% in mountainous areas and 12% affected by deforestation. Despite low prices and logistical hurdles, 25% of farms and 42% of small farms use short circuits. The region’s 1.25 million inhabitants represent a €2.5 billion food market, with €445 million potential for local procurement. Public canteens spend €35–40 million annually, enabling supply chain structuring. The '[SH]ERE' brand, launched in 2017, grew from 120 to 500 products across 100 beneficiaries by 2019. The Pôle supports initiatives like ESI and ReColoTerre, operates a 2020 website, and is funded by INRA and EU FEADER.