In the South Channel, peasant agriculture is preparing to invade school canteens

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Six farms from peasant agriculture in the South Channel came together in October to form the Collectif maraîcher des Manchots du Sud association. With this initiative, producers wish to offer local, quality fruits and vegetables in the sector's collective catering, and more particularly school canteens. They are present at the local village of the Saint-Martin fair in Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouët to present their project.

“The idea here is to make yourself known and create a network. We can have parents of students who then talk about us in schools,” explains Rémy Coat, manager of the Orée du bois farm in Le Mesnillard. With his five colleagues, they hope to serve their first vegetables in spring 2025. But for now, they are trying to find out the needs of the establishments. “We build an inventory to know who is interested in which product, for what volume. This allows us to adapt and distribute production according to everyone's habits. Each farm in the group will put a certain capacity at the service of the collective,” explains Rémy Coat.

Reconciling people with vegetables

Some already work individually with schools. But the objective is to offer more varieties, meet greater needs, but also adapt to the law. “There has been a real demand for local products for several years. But canteens are also starting to apply the Egalim law which requires them to have a portion of sustainable and quality products in their menu,” adds the operator. The challenge is also to reconcile people, and more particularly children, with vegetables. “Many are used to eating canned vegetables. But what we offer is completely different. It’s healthier, with more flavor,” continues Rémy Coat.

By coming together, these producers can offer a wide variety of foods, from the very classic carrots and lettuce to the lesser known winter radishes and parsnips, including peppers, potatoes, beans or beets.

Teamwork

By working in groups, these farmers can constantly supply the fruits and vegetables requested, respecting the cycle of the seasons. “All alone, we risk not being able to satisfy demand, if the carrot harvest is bad, as is my case this year,” says Patrick Cassier, manager of the Lieudit farm in Saint-Jean-du-Corail. “So another member of the collective will provide them, and I will offer products that others have not been able to harvest. » It is through this mutual aid that the market gardeners hope to develop their project. “We can also help each other with equipment and exchange skills. We are not remaining self-sufficient,” continues Rémy Coat.

Multiply the outlets

For farmers, this strategy is a way to diversify and increase opportunities. “There are several of us who have recently moved in, so we are also trying to make ourselves known. We can also buy our seeds together and save money,” says the manager of Orée du bois. The association is open to welcoming new members, provided it remains on a human scale.

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