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The “E-Commerce” project has been developed by the government together with the business
community and employer organisations.

The project involves 21 municipalities. However, because of the economic crisis, it is more difficult for
small businesses to invest in digital technology. Despite that challenge, many companies have been
adopting e-commerce solutions and are rescuing their businesses, which otherwise might be forced
to close.

5.5 Turning a declining market into a landing point

Traditionally, an important economic activity for island communities has been fishing. Although this
activity has dwindled sharply, many island communities still have fisheries.
Specialising in small-scale fishing, Île d’Yeu is one of the few islands in France to have its own fish
market. Although European regulations have significantly
curtailed fishery activities, it is still very much a part of the
island’s economy, with a fleet of about thirty boats. The fish
market is situated in Port Joinville and is well equipped with
facilities for receiving and processing the fish, electronic
sales to destinations far afield, and storage.

The fish market on Île d’Yeu is run by the Vendée Chamber
of Commerce and Industry (CCI) and employs some thirty
people. The decline in sales in recent years has placed a
question mark over the future of the only fish market to
be held on a European island. The possibility of turning the Fish market, Île d’Yeu. © Commune de l’île d’Yeu
market into a landing point is currently being discussed: part of the catch would be set aside for
Île d’Yeu, with the rest being sent for sale in Sables d’Olonne. This would mean that the sales prices
would only be known afterwards. A complex system of compensation would prevent the island from
being penalised by this option. This innovative proposal could provide an alternative for the future for
a declining market, and at the same time save jobs that are under threat.
Website for the initiative: http://www.vendee.cci.fr/le-port-de-peche-de-lile-dyeu

5.6 Short supply chain

An Economic Interest Group (EIG) has been set up by some of the Île d’Yeu fishermen to diversify
the private sales points in the Nantes area. This short supply chain is the first Association for the
Preservation of Agricultural Smallholdings (AMAP) for fish to be established in France, and the initiative
is unique to France.
Website for the initiative: http://www.amap44.org/cartes-et-annuaires/les-amaap-s-poissons/

5.7 Circular economy

Kythnos has a rich tradition of agricultural activities which, despite declining considerably in recent
years, are showing signs of revival particularly at the small, family-farm level. Apart from small-scale
fishing, subsistence agriculture is essential for the population since the products (vegetables) are an
important part of the circular economy.

In cooperation with the local farm cooperative, and together with academic and research bodies,
the municipality has taken steps to strengthen the agriculture sector and local produce. Vegetable
produce is cooked and served in the island’s restaurants, for example. The main produce is cheese
(one with a geographical indication); honey (one an award-winner in an international competition)
and wine. In general, young farmers are developing initiatives to bring back old production systems
and are promoting high quality products (honey, wine, breeding/lamb and cattle).

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