Françoise Besse, outgoing president, opened the debates by recalling that “Cooplim’s strength lies in its ability to transform obstacles into opportunities, while remaining faithful to its cooperative values.”
Limousin producers, like their French counterparts, navigate an increasingly complex environment. Climatic uncertainties such as spring frosts, summer droughts, and hail episodes regularly disrupt harvests, while the pressure from pests (aphids, bugs) intensifies. Regulatory restrictions on plant protection products limit the available solutions.
In addition to these challenges, there is a rise in production costs (energy, labor, inputs) and aggressive international competition, marked by the influx of cheap imported industrial apples.
“Our margins are put to the test by trade agreements that do not take into account the realities of our sector,” lamented Françoise Besse.
Despite this difficult situation, the 2025 harvest was described as “adequate” by the Cooplim teams. The quality of the fruits was there, even though small sizes were more numerous than usual. This result is the result of rigorous technical work in the orchard, as well as strategic investments made over a decade:
– Modernization of packaging tools: pre-calibration, automated packaging lines, efficient refrigeration installations. – Sustainable energy solutions: thermotherapy, photovoltaic energy, to control costs and reduce carbon footprint. – Dynamic marketing: consolidation of sales outlets, creation of new markets, price defense in a highly competitive market.
“We owe these results to the commitment of everyone, from producers to cooperative teams. Together, we have made the best of a difficult year,” emphasized Françoise Besse.
A concrete example of this collective dynamic is the “Pom’Joy” project, a sparkling apple-based drink launched a year ago. This innovative product diversified sales outlets and improved economic performance, proving that innovation can rhyme with profitability.
To ensure the sustainability of the cooperative and its members, Cooplim has defined three strategic axes:
1. Renewal of orchards: Increasing tree density to optimize yields, developing irrigation to cope with droughts, supporting young producers (technical and financial support). 2. Innovation and research: Collaboration with other organizations for joint projects, improving soil nutrition and resistance to climatic uncertainties, optimizing plant protection and accelerating mechanization (robots, autonomous tractors). 3. Valorization of terroirs: “Altitude Apple” project in partnership with producers from the Alps, promotion of Golden apples produced at altitude as exceptional products (AOP, PGI, or Label Rouge).
“We want consumers to know that the real Golden, tasty and juicy, is the one grown at altitude, in the Alps, in Savoie or in Limousin,” declared Thierry Moisy, President of the ANPP.
Jean-Luc Soury, President of the fruit cooperative Limdor, reminded that “the cooperative spirit is our strength. Working together, sharing constraints as well as successes, and building collective solutions rather than remaining isolated is what sets us apart.”
“Our cooperative must remain a strong tool, serving its members, capable of creating value and securing our operations in the long term,” he summarized.
At the end of the general meeting, Françoise Besse announced her retirement, marking the end of an era for Cooplim.
“I have had the chance to meet wonderful and passionate people within this cooperative. I leave my position with immense pride for the work we have done together, and with the certainty that Cooplim will continue its development with the same energy and values,” she declared, visibly moved.
Her successor will inherit a resilient, innovative cooperative, focused on the future, ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
