31 January 2019, the work on the farm is finished for Mathieu and me. It relieves, even if this job as a shepherd-farm hand was interesting and formative. Henceforth, have a lot of motivation to look for our own farm! And the goal for us, in 2019, is at least to identify the land where we will start. Not an easy task!
Already, the big question arises: where to continue the research? First the land or first the group? Because starting a farm in a collective way remains our great motivation. Finally, we continue to search both at the same time … On the “land searching ” side, each farm visit helps us a lot in our reflections.
In January, we visit a farm in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence: a small hamlet, a goat farm, a cheesemaking space and thirty hectares, all for rent. We visit with our roommate Carl’Anton (a vegetable grower), his girlfriend and Thomas. Two girls already on site want to take over the farm and build a collective. An ideal configuration for an easy installation, with little investment (just buying the equipment of the former goat farmer). And a place with mountains and sun! But quickly, because of the isolation, I say “No”. Indeed, the first small town (2000 inhabitants) is 40 minutes drive. I realize that for me, it is very important not to be too isolated.
In February, we visit a large hamlet in Ardèche, in a beautiful valley: arranged in a large square, several houses, sheds, a place of reception, barns … and 12 hectares of land. The agricultural potential is certainly a little limited, but nothing impossible! There, it must be said, I have the heart stroke. The corner is dynamic and very beautiful. And I think that the potentiel of hosting, this dimension, I would like. Only problem, the price, of course … So, if we want to have the chance to acquire this beautiful hamlet, we need to build a solid group. Big challenge!
After, we go travelling a bit. Back in the Pyrénées-Orientales where we met, Mathieu and me, on an isolated goat farm in the mountains. In Prades, we find all the friends of the “Revolutionairy Choir” of which I was the choirmaster. What a pleasure and fun to sing again with this group of happy activists!
We also see Julie, an acquaintance who wants to start a goat farm with cheese transformation” (as us). She has a nice plot of 2 hectares but where everything has to be build. And she is also looking for more land for grazing … But the setting is beautiful!
A bath in the wild hot springs, mmm … And then on the way to Ariège! I’v never been in this department. We visit a goat farm that is for sale. Here, humidity and beautiful green meadows. It changes the landscape of the Ardèche and the P.O. There is: a house, a beautiful livestock building, some building plots and ten hectares of permanent meadows. The offer is interesting. But would the corner be too rainy for us? Case to follow …
End of February, visit of Mongrenier, in the Aude, for a good 6 hours. It is a collective of old Swiss who bought, in 2017, a large property with some huge buildings, hangars, a gite and a super view of the Pyrenees. Around, 80 hectares of meadows and woods. They are actively seeking new inhabitants (especially young people), with various projects (especially agricultural), because the place has a huge potential … but with some money, people and a lot of energy ! For a goat farm, this place would be well suited …
From now on, we put all this a little aside and hop, direction Morocco and Portugal for a well deserved vacation! But in parallel, the project continues. We are posting announcements to find some brave people ready to acquire the hamlet in Ardeche. At the end of April, back in the Drôme, we will be able to continue our research and organize lots of meetings!