Sophie Fourchy qualified as an agronomist at ISTOM (the College of Advanced Studies in International Agro-Development). She is also a specialist in rural development, was awarded an ENSA master’s degree from the Ecole Supérieur d’Agronomie de Montpellier devoted to the analysis of economic and agricultural policies in international development processes, and is currently studying sanitary and social law (DEA, a postgraduate qualification). She also runs research and aid programmes for economic and social development in rural areas as part of support projects for the organization of organic subsidiaries and fair-trade activities in South Africa, Ecuador, Brazil and Bolivia.Fourchy has helped to define and manage the activities of the Carrefour International Foundation since March 2001. This humanitarian organization aims to combat exclusion in international urban areas, provide logistical support during international disasters, and support reconstruction programmes.She also took part in an expedition to the Antarctic (2000) as part of a filmed assignment for National Geographic.