OpaO carried out an exploratory study for a private player, in a context of developing local agricultural sectors and reducing dependence on imports. The aim was to examine the feasibility of a processing activity for locally produced fruit and vegetables, while meeting the needs of the New Caledonian market. This study, the first stage of a broader project, led to recommendations on which local products should be processed, based on producers' needs, import substitution opportunities and the specific needs of the catering industry. The analysis was structured around these three axes, integrating a major economic dimension while taking into account the obstacles identified by stakeholders.
As part of its development, start-up Neofly asked OpaO to help it draw up costed scenarios for the valorization of its co-products or "frass", derived from the bioconversion of organic waste by insects as organic fertilizer for the local agricultural sector. OpaO was accompanied by Calédonie bureau d'études (CBE) for this service.
Coléo has entrusted OpaO to manage its activities for 2024. Coléo is an association of professionals, responsible for the collection, recovery and treatment of agricultural waste. It is managed by distribution distribution companies. As a service provider, OpaO will take over the complete administrative and accounting management of the association in 2024. This includes managing the association's activities, funding applications, as well assupport for strategic management in conjunction with the association's Board of Directors. In addition, OpaO takes charge of operational management, with organizing waste collection, improving services to farmers and optimizing the associated channels.
OpaO was mobilized by the Bio Fetia association, a participatory guarantee system for the Bio Pasifika label in French Polynesia, to implement part of a project to support organic product marketing systems in New Caledonia and French Polynesia.
In New Caledonia, OpaO supported Coop1, a fruit and vegetable marketing cooperative. This involved strengthening the cooperative's "upstream" operations: revitalizing the network of cooperative producers, planning production in collaboration with downstream players, and encouraging the recruitment of new producers. At the same time, OpaO provided support in structuring the marketing of organic beef in New Caledonia. This entailed identifying the needs of downstream players and meeting the requirements for marketing the production of organic farms by 2023. On the other hand, structuring involved identifying the key players, the necessary resources and possible financing options.
In French Polynesia, the Raiatea GAB was supported by DAI Consulting, which coordinated the regional project. This project was financed as part of the PROTEGE program, steered by CPS and funded by the European Union.
Following the success of the aquaculture workshop, the Pacific Community (SPC) once again entrusted OpaO with leading a regional technical capitalization workshop as part of the EU-funded PROTEGE project. The workshop, which lasted 5 intense days, focused on coastal fishing. 16 sessions covered a wide range of topics: coastal fisheries observatories, stock assessment, climate change challenges, fisheries management strategies, strategic communication between communities and fishermen, common priorities and cooperation between Pacific territories, etc. The workshop was held in Noumea and attended by participants from New Caledonia, French Polynesia and Wallis and Futuna. The technical contributions of fisheries managers from the three territories and invited experts were invaluable. OpaO worked closely with DEXEN's Nicolas Guillemot, a fisheries expert.
Unused medicines, including veterinary drugs, have been regulated since 2022 by the Environment Code of New Caledonia's South Province. Pro Veto has been awarded the contract to import acaricide drugs for cattle tick control. This contract was initiated by the New Caledonian Chamber of Agriculture and Fisheries (CAP-NC), which has been delegated the task by New Caledonia.
Pro Veto called on OpaO to draw up a management plan for the waste generated by these medicines, including expired products and empty packaging. The management plan was drawn up in collaboration with CAP-NC, also a distributor of these acaricides. The management plan meets Pro Veto's regulatory requirements, and also helps to reduce the environmental impact of this waste.
The 2023-2027 mandate of the Chamber of Agriculture and Fisheries (Cap-NC) aims to instill a concerted dynamic, with the participation of its partners, to achieve the objective of increasing the share of local products on Caledonian plates by 25%. To achieve this, four cross-functional working groups (GTT) have been set up, initially comprising CAP-NC technicians, advisors and elected representatives. These working groups were These were: "+25%", "water", "land" and "installation-transmission". Vincent Nebois from BKN provided support for the facilitation of these working groups, and trusted OpaO to co-lead the "+25%" and "water" working groups. The service involved proposing a method for facilitation and monitoring the work of the TWGs in 2023, with the ultimate aim of initiating the writing of the strategic policy for the CAP-NC's 2023-2027 term of office.
OpaO supported the sustainable development department of the New Caledonian Chamber of Agriculture and Fisheries (CAP-NC) in implementing its actions and drawing up the 2023-2027 strategy. This service included:
OpaO provided project management assistance for the preparation and facilitation of a PROTEGE Regional Technical Capitalization Workshop on Aquaculture (ATERCAP) on behalf of the Pacific Community (SPC) and financed by the European Union. OpaO teamed up with STAP Vanuatu for this service, enabling aquaculture expert Pierre Lecoeuvre to take part in the preparatory phase. The workshop took place in French Polynesia and brought together over 40 participants over 5 days, from French Polynesia, New Caledonia and Wallis and Futuna. It addressed 22 themes through presentations by speakers and participative animations. During the workshop, participants identified 60 avenues for regional cooperation on 17 different aquaculture themes: aquaculture strategy, oysters, shrimps, aquaculture training, etc. Territorial dynamics were strengthened thanks to this workshop, which was rated 3.5/4 by participants.
The Valorga cluster asked OpaO to act as interim coordinator for the association. This service was the subject of a service exchange agreement between OpaO and Valorga, a cluster for the valorization of local organic matter in New Caledonia. Valorga brings together economic players involved in the production, processing and use of organic waste. Valorga's main actions are to implement on-farm composting and organic fertilization pilot projects, to support changes in local public policies and regulations, and to identify opportunities and mechanisms for financing the cluster. One of the major challenges is to reduce agriculture's dependence on imported synthetic fertilizers and ensure resilience to the impacts of climate change.
You are a professional agricultural organization, a local authority, a private player or an association, vur actions are part of the development of primary production - agriculture, livestock farming, fishing - and sustainable food systems, and you need support and advice? Contact me at to structure your organizations and supply chains, set up and manage your projects or carry out specific studies.
