Securing inputs
The Collectif’s choice of agro-ecological management underpins a commitment to finding effective solutions to the issue of agricultural inputs:
- Lime, essential for soil neutralization and optimal biochemical and biological soil activity, is now available to all members and farmers of the Collectif for their own land, securely thanks to a long-term agreement with Graymont (Bedford site) (donation contract);
- Slurry and manure, which are also essential for soil balance, are still irregularly supplied at this stage. The energy crisis has prompted some users of synthetic fertilizers (oil industry) to switch back to natural fertilizers, driving up prices and destabilizing the market. The Collectif is working to secure firm contractual commitments with various agricultural producers to ensure the availability of fertilizer materials to all Collectif properties on time;
- The use of “clean” composts remains an important issue for the Collectif in order to reduce dependence on livestock effluents.
Agricultural facilities
The need for agricultural development becomes clearer with time and experience in the field, particularly in relation to climate change and water management. The following are just a few examples:
- Access and/or levelling of field plots ;
- Establishment/restoration of riparian buffer strips with possible planting ;
- Hoeing and seedbed preparation ;
- Drainage work ;
- Management / repair of ditches and watercourses ;
The experience acquired by certain owners, as well as the use of certain expertise or financial aid for work, is valued and shared within the Collective.
Agricultural diversification
Hay management was initially favored by the Collectif because it is relatively simple, supports local livestock and offers relatively stable prices in the medium term. In recent years, good hay management has opened the way to other crops, while some land has once again become fertile and promising. This diversification is carried out on a case-by-case basis according to the wishes and possibilities of the owners (development strategy) and their farmers (expertise, machinery, etc.).
