Françoise Vertès – Agricultural research engineer
June 2021
Since the 1980s, Françoise Vertès has been studying Brittany’s grassland systems in close collaboration with farmers. In the midst of the intensification of agriculture and livestock farming, she has been particularly interested in the fate of nitrogen from the field to rivers and marine waters – the nitrogen responsible for eutrophication and green algae. A forerunner in agro-ecology since the 1990s, she has accompanied the implementation of European directives and proposed more sustainable farming systems. Her work also helps inform the nitrate dispute.
Discover our thematic dossier
Thematic dossier
From the European Nitrates Directive to green algae plans in Brittany: the contributions of INRAE scientists
Since the 1970s, researchers at the Institute have been studying nitrate flows of agricultural origin from the plot to the catchment area and their impact on the biological balance of aquatic environments. The agri-hydrological models they have developed have provided a better understanding of nitrate flows and helped local players to implement regional policies. With the deployment of plans to combat green algae in Brittany (PLAV), scientists have gradually moved from the position of experts providing advice to that of mediators supporting the various stakeholders by sharing scientific knowledge on the subject. These years of experience have led to the creation of a training course dedicated to new elected representatives who are likely to become involved in the PLAV, capitalising on the knowledge of former elected representatives and on scientific knowledge.
