“Nothing predestined me to raise camels. I gave in one day and today I am embarking on this crazy adventure.” Edwin sums up his story with incredible simplicity. For the young man based in Chaumont, in Haute-Marne, a classic path is taking shape. Middle school, high school, then STAPS license (sciences and techniques of physical and sporting activities), like many sports enthusiasts his age.
But life has many surprises in store!
“I fell in love in 2019 with these camels. I was a high school student and one Sunday afternoon, I was in front of my TV, watching an Arte report on camel milk in Asia. I totally fell for these animals. From there, I really knew I wanted to raise camels“, says Edwin.
And to make his dream come true, he must start from scratch. He does not come from a farming family, he does not have a farm or even agricultural land. No matter, he changed his educational orientation and even went on a school immersion in other camel farms.
The Haut-Marne hunchbacks
If Edwin is determined to breed camels, he also has the firm intention of setting up his breeding at home: in Haute-Marne!
“Camels can be raised in Haute-Marne. It is an animal that acclimatizes everywhere. Haute-Marne is also beautiful for that, we can bring them here.“It was with three animals and a patch of greenery that he made his dream come true. With the help of his family, he founded the association The Hunchbacks Haut-Marnais to promote its activity.
From now on, Carlos, Nassera and Niña, his three dromedaries, welcome the public for educational farm-style presentations. In a few weeks they will be joined by new residents. Edwin actually wants to launch a dairy farma camel milk farm: “Camel milk can be compared to cow's milk. It has ten times more vitamin C than cow's milk. It has natural insulin, which is perfect for diabetics. And the big thing is that it does not have the allergenic lactose protein; people who are allergic to this protein can drink camel milk.“
According to Edwin, camel milk is a product of the future. Additionally, these animals are extremely resilient to climatic conditions. Its camels suffer less than cows during heatwaves, for example. We can also exploit camel wool, which is an excellent insulator and which is harvested at the beginning of summer. Finally, the camel is extremely sociable. Calm by nature, he seeks the company of humans and stands like a horse.
Become a farmer
“One of the big problems for me is really setting up as a farmer“, sums up Edwin. “I am not the son of a farmer, I do not have land, I am not assigned and, what's more, I want to raise camels. Agriculture in France today is complicated, we know that very well. I know it will be difficult at first because it is an investment in terms of time, money, and social life too, since we spend time with our animals.“
However, the unfailing determination of the young Haut-Marnais allows him to already live part of his dream: “There are always moments of doubt, but I hold on to them. I know it will work so I go for it and I am 100% sure that I will one day make a living from this job. I'm convinced of it, I really am.”
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