Access To Land

France
A new farmer contributing to local development and environment protection

The Marais Breton is a natural wetland between Brittany and Poitou, an area marked by a strong local identity and high environmental stakes regarding the protection of its fragile ecosystem.

The combined efforts of citizen, environmental protection, and farming organisations have allowed a young man in career transition to set up a farming activity in this sensitive area. This type of collaboration between players from different arenas, whose viewpoints do not always converge, is still quite rare. Together, they successfully mobilised support and funds from a public institution, individuals, and a company in order to purchase 50 hectares (124 acres) of wetland and one 2000 sq.m. building.

Without this backing, Mickaël, the new farmer, would never have been able to launch his production of locally-sold organic goat cheese. In return for this solidarity, he agreed to implement environmentally-friendly practices to protect the fragile milieu entrusted to him through an environmental rural lease (ERL).

Read the full case study in English or French



Scope of the initiative:: Single farm or site ; Regional ; National ; Local ; International

Types of activities: Farming ; Land stewardship ; Support for farmers ; Policy/ advocacy ; Ethical finance ; Land acquisition/ ownership ; Public education ; Awareness raising ; New entrants

Types of agriculture: CSA, AMAP, consumers co-operative ; Local supply chains ; Organic ; Peasant ; Biodynamic

Types of agricultural activities: Agriculture (plants) ; Mixed farming ; Breeding (animals)

Types of landowners: Other Land Trusts ; Ethical companies ; Other non-profit organisations ; Churches ; Public owners ; Private owners ; Commons ; Other ; Community Farm Land Trusts



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