The agrifood industry in the Occitanie region, a mosaic of local products
With 5.9 million inhabitants, which is the equivalent of Denmark, the Occitanie region benefits from a generous climate with its Mediterranean and mountainous facade in the southwest.
This privileged geographical situation allows for a great diversity of agricultural and agri-food production and positions the Occitanie region as the 2nd largest agricultural region in France in the following sectors: 1st French ovine region; 1st French beekeeping region; 1st French region for seeds, durum wheat, sorghum, and soya; 2nd French region for fruit and vegetables; 2nd French region for fat palmipeds.
The Occitanie region offers a wide range of delicious specialties and natural, healthy and innovative quality products from the immense richness of its many terroirs.
With more than 300 references under SIQO, it is the first region in Europe to have so many products labeled as PGI (Protected Geographical Indication), AOC (Controlled Designation of Origin), PDO (Protected Designation of Origin), Label Rouge or Bio (indicators of quality for French food).
Then, with more than 10,000 organic farms, it is the leading organic region in France with 15.7% of its Utilized Agricultural Area (UAA) in organic farming, representing 21% of the national organic area.
A land of contrasts at the crossroads of cultures, the Occitanie region also has an exceptional gastronomic heritage. It relies on a traditional local expertise and on noble products: foie gras, truffles, Roquefort cheese, Mediterranean oysters, Lucques olives from Languedoc, rice from Camargue or even anchovies from Collioure.
Unique specialties such as cassoulet from Toulouse in the southwest or aligot from Aubrac together with those from the Mediterranean coast such as brandade de morue (salt cod and potato mash) from Nîmes, tielle from Sète or Catalan cream.
Regional gastronomy is also promoted by many Michelin-starred chefs in France and around the world, such as Gilles Goujon in Fontjoncouse, Michel Sarran in Toulouse or the Bras family in Aubrac and in Japan.
