The Bourgogne-Franche-Comté Region: Fertile Ground for Agri-food Business Growth

A Dynamic Regional Ecosystem in the Agri-food Sector

The Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region is a pioneering force in the agri-food sector, boasting a vibrant ecosystem. With its robust infrastructure, strategic partnerships, and invaluable expertise, the region is wholeheartedly dedicated to nurturing sectoral growth and guiding agri-food enterprises on their journey.

Key Highlights:

- Leading the French region in winemaking and mustard paste production.
- Ranking as the second-largest region for cheese manufacturing.
- 53% of its land dedicated to agriculture.
- Housing a dedicated international cluster: Vitagora.
- Offering tailor-made training programs.

Crucial Partners Fostering Agri-food Industry Advancement

In the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region, essential partners play a pivotal role in driving the agri-food industry forward. AgrOnov, an agricultural innovation accelerator, leverages partnerships to bolster innovation projects for agriculture-related businesses. Likewise, FoodTech Bourgogne-Franche-Comté unites startups, SMEs, industrial players, distributors, investors, and other stakeholders dedicated to the transformation of the food industry and its digital evolution in France. Lastly, GPPR (Gastronomy and Promotion of Regional Products) is a dedicated network committed to promoting the region's agri-food treasures, extending its support to industry players for the promotion and expansion of their products at regional, national, and international levels.

Infrastructure 

The Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region stands out due to the presence of Vitagora, a leading agri-food innovation hub in Europe, comprising over 450 members, including 42 multinational corporations and major companies. It nurtures a network of 12,500 scientists and engineers specialized in food and health sciences. The region provides an ideal environment for experimenting with agro-technologies to address agricultural challenges, thanks to its specialized industries. The agri-food industry and agriculture, renowned for their high-quality, terroir-based products, collaborate closely within a well-structured network encompassing experimental platforms, sensory analysis, technical laboratories, and more.

The region holds substantial potential owing to its advanced scientific and technical environment. University and INRAE (National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment) laboratories in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, along with AgroSup Dijon and CNRS (National Center for Scientific Research), focus on microorganism-soil interactions and agro-ecological processes. UMR* PAM, UMR* CSGA, UMR* Agroecology, and the French Institute of Vine and Wine are among the scientific and technical institutions contributing to research in the agri-food sector.

Supporting Agri-food Enterprise Growth

A Reservoir of Talent and Specialized Educational Institutions
The Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region actively implements an educational strategy by offering programs aligned with the local market's demands. Esteemed educational institutions contribute to the development of a highly skilled workforce. The Agro Institute in Dijon is a premier institution in agriculture, food, and the environment, offering specialized education to future industry professionals. The National Schools of Dairy Industries, Biotechnologies, and Water (ENIL) in Mamirolle and ENILBIO in Poligny provide a range of training programs, from vocational qualifications to professional bachelor's degrees in agriculture, agri-food, and environmental fields. VESOUL AGROCAMPUS also delivers academic, apprenticeship, and continuous training programs in the agricultural domain.

Adequate Facilities

The Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region offers an extensive selection of locations for established or startup agri-food companies seeking to expand their operations. Numerous square meters of agri-food buildings or transformation laboratories are available throughout the region to provide the essential infrastructure for agri-food sector development and innovation.

Established Agri-food Companies in Bourgogne Franche-Comté

The region hosts a plethora of leading companies, including Amora-Maille/Groupe Unilever, André Bazin, Boudier, Daunat, Dijon Céréales, Ets Bobard Jeune, Eurogerm, Fallot, Fromageries Bel, Granini, Groupe Bigard, Henri Maire, Innoplant, Jacquet, John Deere, Lactalis, LDC Bourgogne, Lejay Lagoute, Mondelez, Mulot et Petitjean, Nestlé, Plukon, Yoplait, and more. Local startups in development have also benefited from regional support, such as Agrodoubs and Miss Cookies Factory.