Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Limoux Drive Regional Circular Economy with Préci Network and Onzechar Product

The Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region recently hosted the 7th edition of its regional circular economy meetings in Manosque, gathering almost 150 participants to focus on implementing local circular economy strategies for businesses and communities. Central to these efforts is the Préci network, established in 2019 to promote the social and solidarity economy across Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (Paca). Franck Baudement, sustainable development manager at the Chamber of Trades and Crafts in Paca, highlighted that the network brings together the Region, State, Ademe, Bank of Territories, and chambers of commerce, now totaling 2,500 engaged members, providing an effective collaborative platform for stakeholders to transform regional resource constraints into economic opportunities (Source 87121).

Complementing these initiatives is the emergence of Onzechar, a sustainable agricultural product from Limoux made entirely from grape pomace. Produced at the Cavale distillery in Aude, Onzechar combines compost and biochar through pyro-gasification, enriching soil by enhancing mineralization and water retention. It is used in vineyards with application rates tailored from 2 to 10 tons per hectare depending on vineyard needs, delivering significant nutrients—11.5 units of nitrogen, 7.4 of phosphorus, and 14.1 of potassium per ton—making it suitable for organic farming practices. This innovative product embodies circular economy principles by recycling wine by-products to improve soil health sustainably (Source 87126).

Together, the Préci network and products like Onzechar exemplify the growing commitment of French regions to embed circular economy practices that benefit local economies, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.