For ten years, the collective farm La Tournerie in Haute-Vienne has thrived with an innovative model attracting producers from across France and loyal customers. These young farmers earn around the minimum wage, which suffices for a modest living. The approach differs from traditional agriculture by emphasizing diversity and closeness to consumers.
The La Tournerie farm, located in Coussac-Bonneval in Haute-Vienne, represents a lasting success in collective agriculture. Established ten years ago, it brings together producers from all over France, who cultivate and process various products there. Unlike traditional agriculture, this model emphasizes collaboration and direct sales, attracting a loyal customer base.
Every Tuesday and Friday, about a hundred people flock to the farm's store, which resembles a small grocery with diverse shelves. Mimi, a retiree, is one of the most dedicated regulars. She arrives ten minutes before the 6 p.m. opening and has been coming since the farm's inception. "Even when I was working, I made sure to leave early to be here, and I've been coming since the beginning, so for ten years!", she says proudly.
This closeness is reflected in the products themselves. For instance, a beer bottle features Mimi's smiling face, illustrating the strong ties between the farm and its customers. The young farmers leading this project state that their income, roughly equivalent to the minimum wage, allows them to live decently. This collective venture shows that alternative agriculture can endure and thrive, offering quality and accessibility to local consumers.