Paris (AFP)

Semmaris, the managing company of the Rungis Market, confirmed on Friday its plan to develop "an agricultural production area on the Triangle de Gonesse and one or two distribution platforms located nearby", in the Val d'Oise.

Stéphane Layani, president of the Rungis International Market, "welcomed" the announcement Friday by Prime Minister Jean Castex of the choice of Rungis, the largest fresh produce market in the world, "to develop food distribution platforms in the north of Ile-de-France ".

Called "Agoralim", the project "aims to give an ecological and economic boost to this territory" north of Paris, ensures Semmaris.

It will aim in particular "to promote the development of local production and short circuits, in line with the new expectations of Ile-de-France residents in terms of the consumption of fresh produce".

Established for 50 years in Rungis, south of Paris, the National Interest Market (MIN) has grown and is close to saturation.

Semmaris specifies "to work in a co-construction process with all the stakeholders to find the most suitable location for its activities".

"The establishment of a Rungis extension project around short circuits and local productions is an opportunity for our territory to create a center of excellence for food and to support the transformation of the agricultural economy" , greeted Marie-Christine Cavecchi, president (LR) of the Departmental Council of Val-d'Oise, following the announcement of Jean Castex.

In a joint letter addressed to the prefect in April, the mayors of Gonesse and Goussainville estimated that the establishment of the future extension of Rungis could be located on land along the Roissy road, well served by the road network and a total area of ​​156 hectares.

This place is located a few kilometers from the Triangle de Gonesse.

It was initially intended to host a European express rail freight project, which is currently at a standstill.

The question is sensitive for the department where the defense of agricultural areas continues to mobilize hundreds of environmental defenders.

A ZAD ("zone to defend") had been installed seventeen days last February, before the expulsion of its militants.

© 2021 AFP