“Defending agricultural productivity is a priority for sovereignty” – FreshPlaza

Blue Whale Conference 2026: Advancing Productivity Models Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals

The second edition of the Blue Whale Conference convened over 250 participants to address the critical question: “Productivity, which are the winning models?” Following a first edition focused on climate change, this year’s conference concentrated on technical and economic performance amid challenges such as declining yields, rising competitiveness, and increasing regulatory pressures. Bruno Bertheloz, Managing Director of Blue Whale Group, emphasized the strategic importance of this issue in the context of sustainable agriculture.

Context and Challenges in Agricultural Productivity

Declining Agricultural Performance and Sovereignty

Bruno Bertheloz highlighted the historical significance of productivity in agriculture, noting that French agriculture was once a global leader, becoming the world’s second-largest exporter. However, recent trends reveal significant challenges:

1. Reduction in the number of producers from 1,200,000 in 1980 to 416,000 in 2025.
2. More than 20% loss in yields over the past fifteen years.
3. France’s agricultural trade balance entering deficit in 2025 for the first time.

These trends underscore the urgent need to prioritize agricultural production and competitiveness to ensure national sovereignty, aligning with SDG 2: Zero Hunger and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

End of the Downward Adaptation Model

With the impacts of climate change, increased bio-aggressors, and reduced availability of protective solutions, the current adaptation model is no longer sustainable. Bertheloz called for resistance to these pressures to enable the development of fair and coherent policies supporting agricultural productivity, directly contributing to SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 15: Life on Land.

Policy Recommendations for Sustainable Agricultural Productivity

Key policy measures identified as essential to defend a productive and competitive agricultural model include:

• Ambitious water management strategies.
• Ending regulatory over-transposition.
• Facilitating access for seasonal and foreign workers.
• Administrative simplification.
• Maintaining European support policies organized by production sectors.
• Preserving access to plant protection means with equivalent alternatives.

These recommendations support SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions by promoting sustainable economic development and effective governance.

Innovations Towards the Orchard of Tomorrow

Physical Protection and Biocontrol Solutions

Blue Whale is pioneering alternative approaches to reduce dependency on chemical plant protection products through initiatives such as the Fruit (Re)Generation project, supported by France 2030. Innovations include:

• Micro-peptides developed by start-up Micropep to stimulate natural defenses in apples.
• Enhanced physical protections such as nets, greenhouses, and technological innovations.
• Biocontrol solutions tested on prototype orchards.

These efforts align with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 15: Life on Land by promoting safer and more sustainable agricultural practices.

Genetics, Robotics, Data, and Artificial Intelligence

Varietal innovation remains central to overcoming challenges posed by global warming, new bio-aggressors, and reduced efficacy of protective molecules. Additionally, robotics, new technologies, and AI are critical tools to optimize productivity and technical operations amid rising costs. These technological advances contribute to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure and SDG 2: Zero Hunger.

Global Market Perspectives and Consumer Engagement

While European apple consumption declines, emerging markets in Asia and Africa represent 5.6 billion potential consumers. Blue Whale recognizes a significant opportunity for French apples globally but stresses the need for producers to connect with consumers worldwide. The company advocates for integrating regenerative agriculture principles to produce better food for humanity, supporting SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Conclusion

Blue Whale’s strategic focus on genetics, biocontrol, robotics, and regenerative agriculture positions the company to meet the unpredictable future of agriculture with strong convictions. The conference underscored the importance of sustainable productivity models that contribute to multiple Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring food security, environmental protection, and economic resilience.

Contact Information

Anouck Morin
Blue Whale
Phone: +33 (0) 5 63 21 56 56

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The article discusses agricultural productivity, food production, and feeding a growing global population, directly relating to ending hunger and achieving food security.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Focus on reducing dependence on plant protection products, biocontrol, and regenerative agriculture aligns with sustainable production patterns.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • References to climate change pressures and adaptation models connect to taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
4. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Use of robotics, artificial intelligence, genetics, and technological innovations in agriculture relates to fostering innovation and resilient infrastructure.
5. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Emphasis on biocontrol, physical protection of orchards, and reducing chemical inputs supports sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified in the Article

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers.
   • Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.4: Achieve environmentally sound management of chemicals and wastes.
   • Target 12.2: Sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
4. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade technological capabilities of industrial sectors.
5. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress

1. Agricultural Productivity and Yields
   • Decrease in yields over 15 years and number of producers indicate measurement of productivity (related to SDG 2.3).
2. Trade Balance of Agricultural Products
   • France’s agricultural trade balance turning into a deficit is an economic indicator relevant to food security and agricultural sustainability.
3. Use of Plant Protection Products
   • Reduction in dependence on chemical plant protection products and adoption of biocontrol methods can be monitored.
4. Adoption of Innovative Technologies
   • Implementation of robotics, AI, genetics, and physical protection methods as indicators of technological advancement (SDG 9.5).
5. Water Management and Regulatory Environment
   • Effectiveness of water management policies and regulatory simplification implied as indicators for enabling sustainable agriculture.
6. Global Market Demand and Consumption Patterns
   • Number of potential consumers globally and consumption trends serve as indicators for market access and food demand.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: freshplaza.com