Agriculture

Low-input farming in the Champagne Crayeuse region

Unprecedented cooperation between hemp, sainfoin and alfalfa farmers

A “low-input crops” consortium was set up in the Champagne Crayeuse area The objective is to maintain and contribute to the quality of drinking waters This particularly concerns drinking water catchment areas This initiative stems from a shared ambition and cooperation between the hemp, alfalfa and sainfoin sectors. It is coordinated by the Chambers of Agriculture of Aube and Haute-Marne, with financial support from the Seine-Normandy Water Agency.

On the initiative of Tereos CapDéshy (ex-Capdéa), Sainfolia, la Chanvrière and the European hemp hub, with technical support from the Chambers of Agriculture of Aube and Haute-Marne, it forms part of a sector-wide call for expressions of interest launched by the Grand Est region with financial support from the Seine-Normandy Water Agency.

You can’t be smart all on your own

L’Aube is a region of pioneers when it comes to agro-ecological crops: hemp, sainfoin and alfalfa. Three separate sectors and organisations that have chosen to speak with one voice, drawing on their combined expertise to promote low-input farming practices that are environmentally friendly and conserve water resources. Forget about cliques! Let’s make way for collective intelligence and knowledge-sharing, whilst respecting each person’s individual characteristics. The three crop rotations therefore offer farmers a long-term rotational strategy that can include all three crops.

Une nouvelle approche pleine de bon sens en capacité de convaincre les agriculteurs du bien fondé de la démarche globale. The human dimension of the project highlights its technical relevance and paves the way for new joint strategies. By getting to know one another, sharing the challenges faced on the ground in responding to farmers’ concerns, and discussing strategies, this dynamic not only helps to safeguard the common good—water—but also builds bridges.

A clearly defined objective

The aim of this initiative is to foster collaboration between the agricultural sectors, the Chambers of Agriculture and the Syndicat Départemental des Eaux de l’Aube in order to sustain and expand the area of low-input farming in the Champagne Crayeuse region. This helps to reduce the use of inputs, conserve water resources and maintain economically viable crop rotations.

The aim of this partnership initiative is clear: to make the Champagne Crayeuse region a pilot area for sustainable agriculture.