Preserving biodiversity on organic farms

In July 2014, Foncière Terre de Liens bought the Usages farm in Loury to enable the installation of Annelies RENNER (beekeeping) and Julien THUREL (arboriculture and cider). Respectively chemists and forestry technicians, their choice of farming was a conscious one. Ten years on, their success is evident.

The previous farmer, initially a cattle breeder, had switched to cereal growing. After his death, the farm was to be sold in lots, but thanks to Terre de Liens and the SAFER, the dismemberment was avoided. Everything had to be created: honey house, winery and 14 hectares of orchards. With participatory workcamps, they planted 2,500 trees of ancient species.

The beginnings were difficult, but the transformations co-financed with La Foncière (honey house, thermo-regulated hangar, housing above the winery) have improved their living conditions. They prioritized technical investments to improve their work: royal jelly, honey processing, and cider and perry making.

Faced with droughts and rising temperatures, Julien had to invest in irrigation. They now diversify their production with juices, balsamic and cormé vinegars. Their success is based on realism, tenacity and skill, despite the vagaries of the climate and the economy.

This is a success story based on realism, tenacity and skill, accompanied by the quality of organic produce, even if the vagaries of the climate and the economy bring uncertainties. So, in 2023, Annelies, finally had a good harvest after 2 very mediocre and discouraging years.

Friday December 2 in Avignon, some 50 farmers, elected officials, local partners, media and citizens gathered in front of the Mas St Joseph building around a buffet of fine local produce following an invitation from the project's partners: the Paysans d'Avignon association, the Des pieds et des mains agricultural SCOP and Terre de Liens. It was an opportunity to toast the progress made collectively over the past 2 years, culminating in the launch of work on the farmhouse, which will soon house a producers' store, a platform for grouping produce for delivery to the catering industry, and farm sheds. And to announce the Terre de Liens savings campaign currently underway for this farm. A great moment of conviviality, now let's meet for the inauguration of the store next year!