Reporting and continuous improvement :
The development of a reporting tool common to the Collectif has, since 2017, made it possible to collate various parameters linked to field management (inputs, yields, etc.). Today, this tool makes it possible to compare properties across a range of common indicators, and to identify areas for improvement in both cases. This continuous improvement is dear to the Collectif’s heart, as it aims for rich soils, increased fertility and profitable production, all within a regenerative system with a promising future.
Composting :
The Collectif’s soil enrichment arsenal will eventually include other types of organic matter in addition to the slurry and manure of the moment. Compost could be part of this, but it will be necessary to find a “clean” product that can be produced locally without a disproportionate carbon footprint.
Several avenues are being explored – what stands out so far?
- Local compost production is subject to stringent regulations (Ministry of the Environment), particularly with regard to control of the fermentation process and leaching products (protection of surface water and groundwater);
- The “right formula” for traditional windrow composting requires regularly monitored surfaces (leachate management), time and produces greenhouse gases (methane);
- Digesters” (large, closed steel tanks for anaerobic digestion) can provide excellent results, but require regular feeding and are very expensive.
The Collectif is continuing its analysis to find a composting formula that will also reduce dependence on slurry and manure.
Integration of farmers :
The Collectif’s farmers, through their agreements with various landowners, are aligning themselves with respectful, regenerative agriculture, and changing their practices in the process. The Collectif’s standards thus become a common reference for all. Input spreading services (lime, slurry and manure), for example, contribute to concerted interaction and shared routines. Joint reporting also reinforces a shared vision and mature action plans.
Pooling of manpower and equipment:
Field preparation (e.g. spreading inputs) and the various stages of hay growing (sowing, harvesting, baling and transport) can be optimized by the use of shared equipment, especially if operations are not too dependent on weather conditions or reduced windows of opportunity. The ability to rely on a small network of local farmers in the event of a problem increases the resilience of the region’s agricultural activity.
In addition to occasional assistance (sharing labor or loaning machinery), the Collectif is very interested in CUMA (Coopérative d’utilisation de matériel agricole) and CUMO (Coopérative d’utilisation de main d’œuvre) formulas.
