Change your life? Anta Sanon and Xavier Roland have almost made it a specialty. Employee of a “UN” administration working for agricultural development in Rabat in Morocco for the first, teaching in Brussels for the second, for them, everything changed a few years ago.
A meeting in a Gers cheese factory
“I left my job as a teacher 9 years ago, I was coming out of a romantic disappointment that started it all. I wanted to do something else. I left to be a shepherd,” explains Xavier. “In Rabat, I worked for the UN, but everything was very political and I realized there that I needed a more field job,” continues Anta. “I had always dreamed of working in livestock farming. So at one point, I took the plunge.” From summer pastures to replacing agricultural workers, the two young buyers will then increase their experiences and train, at the same time reinforcing their impressions of being in their place in this profession. “And in 2021 we meet in a cheese factory in the Gers,” says Anta. I wanted to return to the Jura where I grew up and Xavier followed me. We then tried to settle down.” Three years of hopes and disappointments followed, during which the couple failed to find the place that would give birth to their project.
A happiness that takes root in the Jura
“Taking over Philippe Regad's farm in Lajoux was a bit like our last chance, after three years where we tried, on numerous occasions, to set up our project” explains the couple. “And then it all happened suddenly. The farm, a new house at Le Manon and the arrival of a little Jules who makes the household grow. It’s a life project that changes and makes us settle. A change just as important as assuming our new status as business leader.” Born on December 1, the GAEC of the Sonaillard farm opens a new chapter for the couple but also for local life, which will now see sheep grazing in the Lajoulands fields and a yogurt and cheese business on the farm will soon open.
