G. M. I would add that the Cooperative is also the foundation of our innovative TRANSITIONS program. Where does the TRANSITIONS program stand today? C. B. TRANSITIONS is a source of pride for all of us. It is the biggest regenerative agriculture program in France, and likely in Europe. Today, TRANSITIONS is an engine of innovation for both our agricultural activities and our processing businesses. G. M. In that sense, TRANSITIONS is now it seen as a brand — a label that serves and benefits our cooperative farmers as much as our food manufacturing customers. Some of our customers clearly view it as an economic asset. We will continue to broaden the coalition and work together, because it is only by working together that we will find sustainable solutions for our entire value chain. Big ambitions and lots of projects — at a time when the French and international environment is, to say the least, uncertain and increasingly competitive! C. B. That may be, but the world is not going to wait for us! It is our duty to prepare and to speak openly about competitiveness. The European primary processing sector is highly competitive, fiercely competitive even. We work on competitiveness every day: by helping farmers stay competitive; by applying the same imperative to our Cooperative and our processing businesses; and by advancing on our sustainability commitments with LINK… VIVESCIA has already demonstrated that it has both the audacity and the talent to pick up market signals and be disruptive. G. M. Just a few months ago, I was looking at VIVESCIA from the outside, and — like many other people in France and around the world — I viewed it with admiration and respect for its pioneering, entrepreneurial spirit. VIVESCIA is synonymous with expertise and quality. From the inside, I can confirm that its long-standing vertically integrated business model, its work on mitigating climate change, and its recent initiatives — including TRANSITIONS — are all real strengths in terms of competitiveness. CB And we want to fight this battle for France as well. Domestic competitiveness is the first fight we need to win, because food sovereignty, through strong agriculture, value chains, and production capacity, is a national priority. Our future depends on it. Competitiveness is not optional; it is the pre-requisite if French agriculture is to serve as a global benchmark for sustainability. It can — and it deserves to. Let’s fight to ensure that ingredients made from French crops — and through them, French food and cuisine — shine all around the world. So let’s move forward with an entrepreneurial mindset! INTeRVIeW WITH... Our ambition is clear and consistent with who we are: strong and sustainable regional agriculture that extends its influence through ingredient value chains in France, across Europe, and around the world. CHRIStOPH BÜREN 17