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46 2014 Registration Document
Social responsibility
2
Action plans
2.2.3.2
The development of agroecology
through the Carrefour Quality Lines
◗
The tool: Carrefour Quality Lines
Carrefour Quality Lines (CQLs) are a partnership between Carrefour
and farmers and processors. The partnership is based on Carrefour’s
commitment to ensure a long-term commercial outlet in exchange for
a guarantee of product quality and the use of agroecological farming
practices. CQL partnerships include specifications and an improvement
plan which are audited regularly by an independent third party. In 2014,
these lines continued to expand throughout the Group, particularly in
Argentina, China, Poland and Taiwan, in cooperation with the local farming
community.
Group
2014
2013
2012
% vs. 12
Sales (incl. VAT) of Carrefour Quality Line products
(in € millions)
850
1,034
898
(5.3)%
Number of Carrefour Quality Lines
(number of partnerships)
552
414
418
32.1%
Like-for-like BUs (scope: 100% of 2014 consolidated sales, excl. VAT).
◗
Promoting agroecology through the CQL
To promote agroecological practices, Carrefour relies on the collaborative
approach reflected in CQLs, particularly the associated action plans,
to help its producer partners implement these innovative practices that
contribute directly to protecting biodiversity. Carrefour helps more than
21,000 producers to integrate agroecology into their production method.
This direct relationship with producers and the control of all the steps is
unique to Carrefour. Through the development of common specifications,
those involved in the Carrefour Quality Lines adopt agroecology based on
several mandatory key principles: integrated pest control, crop rotation,
a ban on spreading sludge from water treatment plants, the exclusion
of soil-free plant production and the absence of post-harvest chemical
treatment of fruits and vegetables. The lines favour alternative methods
such as integrated pest control and the use of plant protection products
only when strictly necessary.
Carrefour is mindful of living and slaughtering conditions, as well as the
veterinary care provided to animals.
The development of antibiotic-free animal product lines, along with
consultations and efforts to promote responsible plant proteins in its
supply chain, is also part of this agroecology expansion approach.
◗
Offering a credible alternative to GMOs
In light of the controversy surrounding genetically-modified organisms
(GMOs) and the lack of long-term data on their impact on biodiversity,
Carrefour has implemented a proactive policy in this area for over 15 years.
In the European Union, no own-brand food product in any of our ranges
contains GMOs. Outside the European Union, the Group has taken steps
to offer an alternative to GMOs whenever possible, while adapting to
local regulatory requirements.
Carrefour France has extended its commitments to the feeding of animals
used for Carrefour fresh products and has developed a traceable, GMO-
free soya meal network. The Group offers more than 350 Carrefour
and CQL products in France labelled “Reared without GMOs” to meet
customer and consumer demand for transparency. This commitment
has prompted the Group to turn to French producers of soya and other
plant protein sources to support the guarantee that certain products
are GMO-free. Carrefour’s goal is to adopt this approach in other CQL,
such as it did with eggs in 2014.
◗
Antibiotic-free animal product lines
In 2013, Carrefour launched its first CQL of chickens raised without
antibiotics thanks to a partnership with 150 breeders. The Group
maintained this approach in 2014 with three new products: pork, eggs
and salmon. The use of phytotherapy helps to strengthen the immune
system, amongst other things, thereby preventing disease. It also ensures
the animals’ well-being and provides high-quality results. As part of
the close relationship that Carrefour maintains with farmers who are
committed to using high-quality production methods, the Group has
been able to develop these products with demanding specifications.
◗
A beekeeping line
In response to the Beekeeping Sustainable Development Plan launched
by the French government, the Group decided in early 2013 to sell CQL
honey in France. This honey has the notable feature of being produced
by the beekeepers themselves and is carefully controlled at every stage,
from beekeeper to consumer. A new “
Miel de Corse AOP
” product line
that offers three types of honey was introduced in 2014 and a responsible
beekeeping line was also created in Poland.
◗
Promoting organic agriculture
The Group has developed a selection of organic products. The Carrefour
BIO range offers a wide selection of textiles (under the TEX brand),
cosmetics and food products, with new items added each year. In 2014,
Carrefour stores sold more than 4,000 Carrefour BIO products worldwide.