In the coming years, hundreds of farmers will retire. In Alsace, 55% of farmers are over 50 years old. So who would take over a business that is priceless and requires constant commitment? Meetings of farmers facing the challenge of farm transfers.
Hours and hours of daily work, deplorable salaries and very little recognition… we know that the agricultural world is no longer really attractive. Then the question of succession arises. Who will take over the farms whose owners are retiring? Some stay in the family with the younger generations who have always been immersed in the environment, others look for courageous people outside the family circle. We met several farmers: future retirees and young people who have decided to take up the challenge.
Marc Freyss, 58, raises dairy cows in Kolbsheim (Bas-Rhin). A farm taken over from his father. A life that he chose and that he wants to pass on in turn. “I grew up in this environment but my father didn’t force me to do like him. It was a choice on my part. It’s been 40 years and now here’s the next generation” he tells us, introducing us to Ludovic Lentz, 25 years old. Right in the morning milking, his movements are controlled. He already knows the job perfectly. “I come from the horse world, I knew nothing about cows before doing my second year. It fascinates me, especially breeding.“
Ludovic Lentz is not a member of the family. From apprentice, he became an employee for, a few months ago, take over 30% of the farm’s shares. Marc, for his part, remained associated for five years before selling his fields, his farm and its 130 cows. A heritage that is difficult to part with. A heritage that in the future no one will be able to manage alone, according to him. “Farms are real businesses. These are no longer small family farms. There is a lot of money and work involved. The new generation must be able to have a normal life. Free time, vacation… Young people must team up to manage a farm.“
Transmission files monitored by the Chamber of Agriculture. It has a service that helps anyone who wishes to pass on their business. “Please note that it takes 5 to 10 years before a buyer can really settle in, especially outside of the family context.” assures Catherine Etter, transmission installation advisor at the Chamber.
In Mattstall (Bas-Rhin), we work as a family. Charles Suss, 63, has had his eyes on the accounts for years. Fine daily management for pass on an economically healthy business to his son. “The work tool costs too much. At the end of your career, you invested 4 million euros and you can’t leave with your tool under your arm. It’s hard to sell it. A young person who must take over everything in the form of a company with shares, must pay an astronomical sum and must repay over 20 to 30 years. This is the problem. “Obviously, it’s the best job in the world. A job that is priceless, especially when we work outside and we work when others would like to go on vacation.“
You can’t just sell milk to get by
Thibaut Suss, farmer
Although the job is difficult, Thibaut, 29, would not want to do anything else. Working outside, milking and producing dairy products gives him pleasure. “You have to love making cheese, yogurt and butter. That takes time. Economically, it is also necessary, because we employ four and a half employees on the farm. You can’t just sell milk to get by.“
In advance, it is better not to expect anything from the State. It is best to do it yourself. To develop the business, Thibaut and his wife Floriane have opened a small accommodation, a “P’tite cabin” of 20 m².
The “P’tite cabin” is designed for 2 to 4 people.
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© Emmanuelle Gambette
Living room, kitchen, bedroom and small bathroom to spend a few days in the fresh air. “In the north of Alsace, tourism is developing. At home the site is prettier with our cows and our landscapes. You can walk there and people can come on horseback.“A second small dwelling is under consideration. The idea being to be able to earn a little more salary.
