Par
Jeanne MORCELLET
Published on
Nov. 9, 2024 at 7:20 a.m.
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Let's go to Planches (Orne)! Sophie and Marc from Chèvres brasseuses, Gwen and Anthony from Gaec Allain and Vincent from Ferme du Louvier succeeded in their bet.
Open a farmer drive on time to support local demand.
We didn't want to create a producer store. The mayor wanted it but we didn't have the strength to do it.
Yet the idea of a group of local producers makes its way.
A good idea to explore
Especially since demand is strong.
The store costs too much in terms of investments, finances and time, either.
But finding a solution to pool quality products and favor the short circuit is a good idea.
Marc has already seen posts on farm vending machines on social networks. The idea is good, you have to explore it.
There was not a point of commerce in the area. The road is very busy. It connects Granville to Paris via L'Aigle
The Planches definitely seem suitable for a gathering of producers. And then the investigation that Sophie and Marc are carrying out is positive.
They visited five or six drives in Normandy and Picardy and found that it was definitely worth trying the adventure.
The producers of the three farms often meet to discuss it, move the project forward, see how to organize themselves…
Two years of reflection
After two years of reflection and discussion, the farmer's drive is set up and the lockers ” chilled and tempered » are only waiting for customers.
The mayor, they all insist and hammer home, supported them “fully.” Without him, nothing would have been possible.”
And to add as it is so important to them, “Gérard Préel was completely behind us. Gérard and the municipal council have been unfailingly supportive, hats off.”
150 lockers full of good things
Today the brand new wooden building, attached to premises and the municipal hall, has 150 lockersnumbered from 1 to 150. Lockers filled with good, healthy and local things.
Each associated farm has around 40 lockers.
To choose what you want or need, nothing could be simpler, you opt for the lockers you want, you register your choice on the distributor, you pay and you go and help yourself. “We open the lockers, we help ourselves and we close them immediately, it’s important. In any case we will say it and then there will be a large sign to explain how the withdrawal works” continues Sophie.
There is yet another solution, “the order terminal contains photographs of the products, poultry or apple juice for example, that the customer selects and which correspond to locker numbers” supports Gwen.
Guest producers
The racks come in three sizes, small, medium and large – large for 3 liter apple juice, “a sort of cube which preserves the aroma and flavor of the fruit well”, or pumpkins…
On site, we find the products of the three farms, namely the cheesesTHE poultry and the pigbut still their aperitif trays (cold meats and cheese). And then the partners invited local producers and friends to complete the range and create a complete meal.
Open 24/7
Vegetables, creamery, honey, flour, pasta, jars, bread, potatoes, cow’s cheese…
Open 24/7, the Copains paysans drive is a collective adventure. The organization relies on a rotation of associates, notified by telephone, for the replenishment of empty lockers.
“We offer a selection of our production. We adapt to the market and at the same time, of course, we will continue to do the markets! » exclaims Vincent.
Everyone talks about an “exciting project that they are proud of” even though they don't know if it will work or not.
We'll see with use, we can't know. It is an innovative project with a new clientele in sight but it is also a total unknown.
“In any case, to carry out our project successfully, we had lots of good meetings, very nice, and the lockers are expected, so” concludes Vincent. SO…
Practical
The farm drive of Copains paysans. Boards. Open 24/7. Such. at 06 45 81 77 15
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