Ferme de La Grande Rivière

The farm of La Grande Rivière is located in Saint Michel de Chavaignes, in a place called La Grand Rivière. It is managed by two partners, Damien and Isabelle, who are deeply committed to sustainable agricultural practices.

At La Grande Rivière, we grow a diverse range of vegetables following the standards of organic farming. These vegetables are distributed through seven AMAP (Associations pour le Maintien de l'Agriculture Paysanne) locations in Sarthe. Our approach is strongly influenced by permaculture, which we discovered over fifteen years ago. Permaculture is based on three core ethics: caring for the Earth, caring for people, and sharing resources equitably. These principles form the foundation for creating sustainable human and natural ecosystems, which can thrive over time.

Permaculture isn't just about agriculture or gardening; it applies to all aspects of life. It shapes how we consume, live, interact with others, manage finances, and organize our families. To deepen her understanding, Isabelle completed a Permaculture Design Course with Bernard Alonso, a renowned Canadian trainer in human permaculture. This exploration of permaculture led us to apply its principles to our farming practices, where we focus on caring for the soil, minimizing tillage, maintaining ground cover, diversifying crops, and creating natural spaces for biodiversity to flourish.

In 2012, we encountered the "Maraîchage Sol Vivant" movement, which advocates for no-till farming techniques and respect for life in the soil. By 2015, this movement had grown into a national association, bringing together "farmer-researchers" who experiment with and share techniques that promote soil health and sustainable farming practices. These influences have shaped our farm’s vision: to produce the healthiest and most nutritionally and flavorfully rich food possible, while enhancing biodiversity and keeping the soil alive. In essence, we aim to create a lasting food system that nourishes both people and the planet, ensuring that future generations can continue the work we have started.

Find out more (In French)
https://lagranderiviere.org/la-ferme

The main purpose of our farm is to produce healthy, nutrient-rich food while maintaining a harmonious relationship with the land. By applying permaculture and agroecological principles, we aim to cultivate a diverse range of vegetables, enhance biodiversity, and promote soil health. Our goal is to create a sustainable farming system that not only provides for the immediate community but also contributes to the long-term well-being of the environment, ensuring that future generations can continue to thrive from the land

Their dream is to create a lasting, sustainable farm that not only provides healthy, high-quality food but also nurtures the Earth. By integrating permaculture principles, they aim to foster a thriving ecosystem where soil health, biodiversity, and community well-being are at the core of their practices. They envision a future where their farm continues to nourish both people and the planet, passing on a vibrant, living legacy of regenerative agriculture to future generations