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RESEARCH PRODUCT

The management of crop-livestock systems at a territory level: the example of grain legume crops and of monogastric livestock in Burgundy, France

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Although cereals and oil seed crops are very developed in Burgundy, the area of grain legumes cultivation is small. Concerning monogastric livestock, the region is characterised by a medium size poultry production focussed on markets under quality and origin signs (SIQO) and a relatively small pig production. Although a tendency of co-location of these productions can be observed (at territory and farm scales) and some animals consume locally-produced proteins, there is no strong functional link between these crops and animal activities. This situation is confirmed by the fact that a significant proportion of produced grain legumes are exported by Burgundy, while large quantities of soybean meal are imported. The aims of our study were to analyze i) the link between the cultivation of protein crops and the monogastric livestock and ii) the possibilities of strengthening this link thanks to innovations. On this last point, the innovations in terms of varieties particularly in winter types) and the new cropping systems make it possible to identify new production areas and additional volumes. Moreover, environmental requirements and increase of SIQO productions may amplify the functional links on the condition of identifying, monitoring and highlighting the benefits of protein crops from environmental and quality viewpoints. This context can also help to develop mechanisms of local circuits and to strengthen the link between upstream and downstream stakeholders - all the more so as traceability criteria and quality certification will be constraining. However, these trends which answer to the new societal requirements will compete with world prices of raw agricultural products and the world tendency toward simplified and massive systems and homogenized practices. Thus, public policy and regulation have a crucial role. The development of organic production activity in Burgundy, in which we observe some interactions between stakeholders structured around the definition of production zones, quantitative targets and quality criteria can illustrate these trends.