Agroecology at RAGT: 3 levers for sustainable agriculture

Faced with environmental, economic and social challenges, RAGT is fully committed to the agroecological transition. To this end, the Group is leveraging all its expertise to offer farmers concrete solutions.

1- Genetics as an alternative to chemical inputs

By developing varieties that are better able to resist disease, make the most of natural resources and adapt to agronomic constraints, genetics offers practical ways of reducing the use of chemical inputs.

Strong, long-lasting varietal resistance

With the Genecare programme, RAGT is innovating by stacking several genes for resistance to the same pest in the same variety. This pyramiding approach not only enhances the effectiveness of resistance, but also its durability over time, by limiting the risk of pathogens bypassing it. By relying on longer-lasting resistance, farmers can significantly reduce their use of plant protection products, while securing their yields.

Natural soil fertilisation

Legumes play a strategic role in agro-ecological systems. Thanks to their ability to fix nitrogen from the air, they naturally fertilise soils, reducing dependence on nitrogen fertilisers. RAGT invests heavily in the genetic selection of these crops, whether as main crops (peas, field beans, soya) or as intermediate or combined crops. Incorporating them into crop rotations helps to improve soil fertility, limit greenhouse gas emissions by replacing nitrogen fertilisers, and enhance the sustainability of production systems.

Natural regulation of pests and diseases

Soil health is a major challenge for agronomic performance. RAGT is developing soil health plants, such as certain mustard varieties, capable of naturally regulating certain populations of soil-borne bio-aggressors, particularly nematodes. These plants, integrated into intercropping rotations, make it possible to limit the use of nematicides and promote a biological balance in the soil. This preventive approach, based on natural regulation, is fully in line with the principles of agroecology.

2- Support and expertise: a farm-wide approach

In its agricultural distribution activity, RAGT deploys a systemic agroecological approach, thought out at plot and farm level. It is based on three fundamental pillars of agroecology:

• Reducing tillage to preserve soil structure, limit erosion and encourage microbial life
• Crop diversification, to make systems more resilient in the face of climatic and health hazards
• Permanent soil cover, to improve fertility, limit nutrient loss and encourage biodiversity.

The aim is to reposition chemical inputs as a last resort, and to promote bio-solutions, bio-stimulants and regenerative practices in technical itineraries.

Customised technical support

The success of the agroecological transition depends on the quality of the support provided. Technical sales staff specialising in agricultural distribution are sensitive to environmental issues, and work closely with farmers to identify the solutions best suited to each situation. This individualised approach means that realistic, progressive technical itineraries can be devised that are compatible with the economic objectives of each farm. Listening, advice and co-construction are at the heart of this relationship.

Agroecological audits and value-adding

RAGT is a member of the PADV (Pour une Agriculture du Vivant) initiative, which aims to harmonise and structure agroecological supply chains and finance the transition. Through audits carried out at farmers' premises, based on the Regeneration Index (RI), the company assesses the level of agroecological commitment of its supply customers. Conceived as an approach to progress, this tool provides all stakeholders with a common frame of reference for initiating the transition in farming practices, driving them forward and adding value to produce by accessing premium channels.

Agronomic trials

The RAGT Group conducts trials on varieties, bio-solutions and fertilisers, in order to test different combinations and identify the most effective associations. This approach builds high-performance, sustainable technical itineraries. The aim is to reduce short- and medium-term economic risks by securing the transition of production models to provide our farmers with greater resilience.

3- Making the most of biomass: a lever for agroecology

Agroecology is not limited to cultivation practices: it also encompasses the management of energy and biological resources available on the farm. RAGT is developing specific expertise in the use of agricultural biomass, helping farmers to transform their plant resources into renewable energy.

This approach makes it possible to:

• reduce dependence on fossil fuels
• enhance the value of agricultural co-products (crop residues, plant cover, etc.)
• contribute to a local and sustainable circular economy

By integrating biomass into agro-ecological strategies, RAGT strengthens the coherence between crop production, soil management and energy autonomy. It's a global vision of the farm, where each resource is optimised with sustainability in mind.