Providing land, equipment, and a legal framework for agriculture to support aspiring farmers

In 2006, professionals in agricultural training and farm establishment, recognizing that for aspiring farmers there is a significant gap between completing training and actually setting up a farm, founded the Compagnons de la Terre.

In 2011, the association leased an 8.5-hectare organic farm and, since then, has been facilitating the establishment of farmers by providing an agricultural testing site.

Like business incubators, the Compagnons de la Terre support project leaders so they can test the economic and technical viability of their projects. We provide land, equipment, and an agricultural legal structure. Project leaders can thus benefit from social security coverage and a legal framework to test their business.

Our Association’s Initiatives

The D.E.P.A.R.T.
Training Program The D.E.P.A.R.T. training program (Dynamiser son Envie de Projet Agricole et Réussir par le Test) is a prerequisite for entering the pilot program. It takes place once a year in the fall and complements existing agricultural support programs in the region.

The trial at the Eurre
incubator The incubator at the Eurre organic farm provides land, equipment, and potentially buildings and greenhouses, as well as legal status and support, for a maximum of three years, to individuals wishing to test their organic farming business project.

The "Archipelago"
Pilot Since 2014, the association has also offered to support project leaders in conducting their pilot projects outside the Eurre farm, on land graciously made available by farmers, landowners, or local authorities for the duration of the pilot.

EXPANSION
Les Compagnons de la Terre can assist local governments wishing to establish a test site project, or even manage the test site thus created. This expansion is carried out in partnership with the National Network of Agricultural Test Sites (RENETA).