Central level

The central government is responsible for:

• The overall legislation (in accordance with EU law);
• Implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy, under which France is the greatest beneficiary. France is the world's sixth largest agricultural producer and the EU's leading agricultural power;
• Agricultural Data Portal;
• Rural Development Programme;
• National strategies, evaluations and monitoring frameworks in the agricultural sector;
• Authorization for planting including vineyard plantings;
• Forestry and Wood industry policies;
• Agro-ecological projects;
• Food safety and Health;
• Animal Welfare policies;
• Research, development and innovation in the agricultural sector.
• Promotion of French produce, including cheese and wine.

Regional and intermediate level

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food has Regional Directorates in each of the 13 regions that communicate between the regions and the central administration. In addition, there are various regional networks, including the  National Rural Network, that co-operate with central authorities to support the agricultural sector . In general, regional authorities are responsible for: 

• implementing projects under the Rural Development Programme, theEuropean Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.
• Promotion of regional produce;
• Monitoring frameworks of regional produce;
• Support of the Chambers of Agriculture in their activities of promotion, research and support for producers;
• Implementation of Common Agricultural Policy regulations and ensuring compliance of producers;
• Monitoring frameworks and data collation for central authorities.

Intermediate level

Departmental authorities are responsible for:

• Peri-urban agricultural and natural spaces

Local ​level

Local authorities are responsible for:

• Supporting market access for rural farmers (selling produce directly to consumers);
• Promotion of local produce;
• LEADER groups, which under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development can secure funding for projects in the agricultural sector, in accordance with the national RDP;
• Membership of Regional Networks.

Responsible ministries/bodies

Ministry of Agriculture and Food

Sources

Information Booklet, Agricultural Policy France, 2019