Co-organized by Auzon community, dASA and Haute-Loire bio, the forum on agricultural transmission will take place Thursday in Azerat. Focus on the event with one of its guests, sociologist Brigitte Chizelle.
Sociologist Brigitte Chizelle has devoted herself for more than 20 years to the study of various issues related to the agricultural world. At the head, with her partner Dominique Lataste, of the training organization Autre dit, she specializes in rural and agricultural issues, in particular that of agricultural transmission. Announced at the Azerat forum on Thursday, she delivers her analysis on this subject and its issues.
What is your opinion on transmission installation in the agricultural world?
This topic is often interpreted through the economic prism.
The human factor is relegated to the background. There are around 200 farms which cease their activity every week in France. Why is there so little transmission of farms? We realized that there was a disparity between what the sellers wanted and the expectations of the buyers.
What type of gap is there between sellers and potential buyers?
We have studied many cases of farm transfer and we have noticed that in the majority of cases, it is the transferor who has the keys to the operation. There are many candidates for installation. Transferors must be supported, this is essential.
Concretely, what are the points that pose a problem when you want to sell your farm?
The question of housing is rarely anticipated. It's a bit of a taboo subject. For example, if the transferor lives as a couple, there is often one of the two spouses who is more attached to the house than the other and who wishes to keep it. If the buyer absolutely wants to live on the farm, that will create problems. The life identity of the transferor can also have an impact. Has it developed other activities in parallel to continue to exist? Does his life boil down to his professional activity? All of this can be a hindrance when it comes time to sell your business.
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For the transferor, there may be a strong attachment to what he considers to be his life's work.
This is the case in farms that function well. For the seller, it is difficult to envisage a buyer doing differently from him when he himself has found a balance between profitability and working comfort.
What are the obstacles on the buyer's side?
We are in a society that is increasingly nomadic. New generations are changing their profession, place of life and personal situation more. The question of long-term commitment is an obstacle. In 10 years, will we still want to be a farmer? The level of income also poses a problem, even if some young people who start doing it very well.
We also speak of a vocational crisis. What about it?
Children of farmers do not necessarily want to become farmers. And those who do not come from the agricultural world sometimes feel illegitimate or poorly regarded by people in the profession.
What avenues should be explored to promote transmission?
There must be political will on this subject. Firstly, at the level of municipalities and communities of municipalities. They have a closeness with the people of the territory. They can raise awareness, reserve land in a given sector.
What is the challenge of succeeding in this transmission process?
It is important to maintain a sufficient number of farms in France. Family-sized farms. It is also a question of food sovereignty. If we have quality food compared to other Western countries, it is thanks to our producers. Is transmission desired at the top of the political ladder? We have the right to ask ourselves that.
For 2 years, Auzon community elected officials have been looking into the question of agricultural installation and transmission. From this reflection a forum was born.
The agricultural world and the general public will meet at the Azerat municipal hall on Thursday to debate the phenomenon of sale/acquisition of farms. Different themes will be addressed to clarify the subject: the difficulties, the obstacles but also the tools to encourage the installation of a new generation of farmers.
Pastures, herds, buildings
A meeting which is not limited only to those involved in the agricultural world. All those who are interested in the life of their territory, their environment and quality food are invited. The conferences, workshops, debates, short films and testimonies will deal, among other things, with the wildness of pastures which turn into brambles, the disappearance of herds, empty buildings which end up being damaged… Auzon community, dASA and Haute-Loire bio also invited other associations such as Terre de liens or Îlots paysans, national level supporters of the local agricultural world.
Jeremy Virot
The program
All events take place in the Azerat municipal hall, are free, without registration and open to all farmers, project leaders, students, elected officials, landowners, partners, etc.
In the afternoon.
13 h 30. Welcome and word from elected officials. 2 p.m. Introduction to agricultural transmission. By Brigitte Chizelle, intervention sociologist in the agricultural and rural field, specialist in transmission.
14 h 45. Workshops to choose from. “Restructuring to better transmit, yes but how?” or “Testing yourself to better establish yourself/transmit”, with peasant islands, the AFOCG and the Chamber of Agriculture.
16 H 15. Plenary meeting and discussions with all stakeholders. 5 p.m. Time for discussion and meetings over a drink.
In the evening
8 p.m.. Film debate with the short films Becoming a peasant, settling into agriculture and Farm takeovers. With the testimony of Pauline Mercuri, peasant baker in Saint-Privat-du-Dragon, hosted by FRICVAM Auvergne and the Amap Aura network. Free event, without registration and open to all.
Information from Cloé Montcher – Haute-Loire Bio on 04.71.02.07.18 or [email protected] and Christine Paques – dASA at 06.33.66.64.80 or by email at [email protected].
