Correns in the Var is France's first and only 100% organic village. Since 1995 the predominantly wine-growing commune has been completely bio. Mayor Michael Latz believes Correns is also unique in the European Union.
Despite this unique status, Mr Latz has not been approached by the government since last year's Grenelle de l'Environment - environment summent - for advice on how to push forward the much trumpeted organic farming agenda.
He said it is easy for politicians to was lyrical about environmental benefits of changing farming practices, but that noting concrete is being done to actually encourage change.
He said: "The Grenelle was typically French with lots of nice words and ideas but nothing that is actually going to do anything. "What must be understood is that all growth in organic farming is market led.
"It is the consumers who make the ultimate decisions, not politicians. Luckily there is a sea change in consumer attitudes which is helping the market.
"If the government wants to do anything useful it should give big tax breaks to organic farmers. "Consumers would feel the benefits and buy. Farmers would be encouraged to move away from chemical-heavy methods.
"Organic farming is more costly - farmers need to know before they start that they are going to be able to turn a profit from their land. Everything boils down to market forces.
"Farmers need to turn a profit, and consumers want to have healthy and affordable food to put on their plate."
Correns as a village has benefitted hugely from the switch to 100% organic farming. There is something about the village and the surround area that is intensely alive.
Because there are no pesticides used on the fields, there are plenty of insects, birds, small mammals and plenty of game, which keeps the local hunting fraternity happy. The River Argens that runs through the village is crystal clear and teeming with fish. Mr Latz said: "There is no fishing allowed within the village itself, but one of the real reasons there are so many fish is because of the quality of the water. At least from our commune, no chemicals - pesticides or fertilisers - go into the soil. Of course this is good for the water."
Organic wine and olives are not the only agricultural businesses taking root in Correns.
One of their most recent ventures is to start growing medicinal and aromatic herbs and flowers. The result is that the village is not just beautiful but also fragrant. The commune will soon invest in a distillery to make organic essential oils to satisfy a growing market.
Mr Latz joked: "Neighbouring villages like it when the wind blows fro Correns."
Written by Tony Todd, this article first appear in The Connexion, April 2008
