cussac-fort-medoc

This charming Gironde village has just been voted Europe's best organic town

undefined undefined 12 octobre 2026 undefined 18h00

The Editor

A small town in the Gironde region has just won a tremendous European distinction. With its municipal vegetable garden spanning 7,000 m², its dedicated market gardener, and a school canteen that champions organic products, Cussac-Fort-Médoc has been crowned "Europe's best organic city" at the EU Organic Awards 2026. A well-deserved honor celebrating a food model that's as virtuous as it is inspiring.

On September 23, 2026, in Brussels, Cussac-Fort-Médoc, a charming town of 2,326 residents nestled in the Médoc region, won the award for "best organic city" at the prestigious European Organic Awards. Behind this recognition lies an inspiring municipal project that makes it possible to grow a portion of the vegetables served daily to schoolchildren—with no transportation costs and no extra expenses.

A 7,000 m² organic garden just steps from school

In Cussac-Fort-Médoc, vegetables don't travel across France before landing on plates. They grow just a few meters from the cafeteria, in a 7,000 m² municipal organic garden.

Leading the charge is David Ducasse, a market gardener employed by the municipality, who cultivates fruits and vegetables for the children in rhythm with the seasons. Carrots, leeks, potatoes and sweet potatoes: local production covers approximately 50% of the fresh vegetable needs for the 230 meals prepared daily.

An organization that limits packaging and transportation while guaranteeing product freshness.

A cafeteria over 50% organic, without raising prices

Behind this initiative lies an ambition championed by mayor Dominique Fédieu: making healthy, local and organic food accessible to the municipality's children. Committed to this transition since 2017, the municipality has gradually developed

opposed to its own agricultural production. Result: over 50% of organic products in school menus, with no increase in meal costs linked to the program.

And when harvests exceed the cafeteria's needs, vegetables don't go to waste. The surplus benefits notably food assistance organizations, as well as local restaurants and shops.


A small Gironde village that became a European success story

The project goes far beyond filling plates. Thanks to the vegetable garden's proximity, students can discover crops, follow the growth of vegetables, and understand where the food they eat comes from.

This educational and environmental initiative won over the jury at the EU Organic Awards 2026, which chose Cussac-Fort-Médoc over two other finalists in its category: Hellemmes, near Lille, and Turin, in Italy.

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