Will the farmers of tomorrow be former lawyers, painters or even teachers? We count more and more retraining towards the agro-food industry in recent years and now a third of new farmers do not come from the agricultural sector. For these new farmers, often without a network and with little experience in farm management, setting up on their own is a real obstacle course. But there is now a way to make things easier, by taking little financial risk.
A renewable one-year agricultural test space
It’s a first in Brittany, in Finistère for a few months, the PNRA, the regional natural park of Armorique, has undertaken to support two farmers. Provision of land, buildings, commercial and legal support, or even assistance in the development of a network, this Test Space is for a period of one year, renewable twice. These new farmers regularly evaluate their project and can adjust it or abandon it as soon as they wish. The long-term goal is to settle in a sustainable way by taking over an existing operation.
– Valentin Belleville
Arrived seven months ago, Sandrine Le Pinsec raises a hundred sheep. This morning, bad surprise when arriving, the fence is on the ground, 19 animals are missing: “It had never happened to me here, it’s quite worrying to see the fence on the ground, especially since it is electrified so the animals do not approach normally. I hope this is not a malicious act“, worries the breeder. Short-lived fear, she finds her animals a few minutes later.
A good springboard before starting “
– Valentin Belleville
Since its reconversion 13 years ago, this former childcare assistant has had several operations but it is its first installation : “It is a good springboard to take the plunge, it allows us to consolidate our system and to question it. “Since the beginning of her activity, the breeder has only had to invest in her herd, the park has provided her with land and buildings. A much appreciated help, she says:”When you set up you have to invest right away, that’s what scared me before I started, and with this test space the problem is solved.“
The objective now is to find a farm to resume at the end of its test in the Regional Natural Park of Armorique. This is also the case for Arnaud Dispagne, the second farmer supported by the Park. This former engineer in water and pollution holds a Professional Certificate in charge of agricultural operations (BPREA) in mixed farming and breeding. He has a few hives and raises laying hens: “I will take advantage of this test to develop my breeding and my network to be able to settle, I hope in Finistère.“
– Valentin Belleville
At 37, Arnaud Dispagne finally realizes his dream of having a henhouse. He built it with his own hands in the Armorique Regional Natural Park and has been raising his chickens for two weeks. He will sell his first organic eggs in a few days.