Les projets néo-paysans de microfermes en France : quelles visions et quelles pratiques agricoles alternatives ?

Abstract

Microfarms are very small-scale diversified organic market gardens, which are emblematic of growing dynamics of new-peasant farms creation in France. Interviews carried out on 20 microfarms in Northern France show that they are the materialisation of global life projects oriented toward the search for meaning, commitment, quality of life and autonomy rather than profit maximisation. They seek to “take care” of the earth and intensify their production ecologically thanks to a rehabilitation of manual labour. They develop a holistic design approach of “edible landscapes” rather than exploitation zones. Beyond relocalising food through short supply chains, they recreate social links in rural areas through job creation, cultural and community activities. They thus contribute to a renewal of farming practices and of the vision of farmer’s role in territories out of step with modernisation. The role that microfarms could play in a wider agricultural transition is discussed.

Keywords

• Agroecology
• Organic farming
• Peasantry
• Short supply chains
• Rural development
• Values