Feedback: an 8-month bike trip to set up a farm

The journey of La Ferme dans le Guidon: agricultural diversity and human encounters

On the occasion of SIVAL 2024, the association La Ferme dans le Guidon, founded by three friends trained at the Institut Agro d'Angers, shared an enriching experience. The project was born of a confinement in a farming environment that led them to rethink their vision of the farming profession. Driven by a desire to understand the realities and challenges of setting up a farm, they set off on a cycling trip across France. For 244 days, these enthusiasts crossed 33 départements and covered 4,000 kilometers, taking part in practical training courses on various farms. The aim was to experience the daily life of farmers and explore different production systems.

The five main in-depth courses offered a unique perspective on possible solutions to the challenges facing the profession. In the Alpes-Maritimes region, participants learned about the status of municipal market gardeners working to supply school canteens with local produce. In Isère and Haute-Vienne, the focus was on collective farms, with the aim of gaining a better understanding of collaborative organization. The Basque country revealed the importance of territorial anchoring and tradition, while Morbihan enabled us to study modern and traditional initiatives around family farms. Thanks to these experiences, La Ferme dans le Guidon opened a window on the diversity of agricultural practices in France.

Setting up in farming: striking portraits of farmers across France

During their journey, the members of the association drew up inspiring portraits, illustrating the challenges and values of farmers. In Mouans-Sartoux, in the Alpes-Maritimes region, Gilles PÉROLE, a local councillor, highlighted the impact of the municipality's commitment to food self-sufficiency, thanks to the initiative of local market gardeners. This initiative aims to produce locally to supply 1,400 school meals daily with organic produce.

In the Basque Country, the Landaia farm illustrates a meeting point between agriculture and culture. Here, a farmer produces products such as osso-iraty and Quintois Basque pork, which are part of a dynamic of appellation-based promotion. This blend of local pride and cooperation illustrates the importance of appellations in promoting agricultural products.

On the Marais Champs dairy farm in Bourneuf-en-Retz, Guylain and Stéphanie PAGEOT promote the idea that every system must be aligned with the values and constraints of the local area. Their thoughtful approach offers a valuable perspective on creating a balance between production, ethics and well-being on the farm.

Resilience, innovation and diversity: lessons from an exploratory tour of farm start-ups

France's agricultural diversity was undeniably highlighted by this journey. By visiting a variety of farms - ranging from intensive systems to farms focused on short distribution channels - La Ferme dans le Guidon demonstrated that there is no single answer to today's agricultural challenges. A striking anecdote illustrates this diversity: a visit to NeoLoco, a company in Normandy that roasts coffee and bakes bread using solar energy. This innovative model is proof of how sustainable technical approaches can be integrated into farming practices.

Arnaud CRETOT also highlighted the need to question conventions. This energy engineer turned solar baker has simplified traditional practices to cut down on wasted time and optimize his system, while maintaining the quality of his products. His story highlights a pragmatic approach to renewing practices.

Finally, the trip underlined the importance of transmission in the agricultural world. Faced with intergenerational challenges and the agro-ecological transition, the association highlighted the need to strengthen synergies between different players to collectively meet future challenges. The journey was also imbued with profound human values, through a number of memorable encounters.