The students embarked on their journey through the Loire Valley, visiting cities like Nantes and Angers. Their first stop was Pépinières Lepage, a large-scale ornamental and bulb producer that annually produces around 3 million perennials and grasses. This experience opened their eyes to the scale and efficiency of commercial horticulture in France.

Next, they explored L’Institut Agro Rennes-Angers, renowned for its expertise in horticultural production and landscape design. Here, they learned about sustainable practices that blend modern technology with traditional methods to enhance productivity while respecting environmental standards.

One highlight was meeting Vincent Favreau, an organic market gardener based in Saumur. He shared his journey of establishing his organic gardening business over the past 20 years. “The area presents challenging soil conditions and variable rainfall,” he explained. Despite these challenges, he successfully supplies seasonal vegetable boxes to local customers.

During their tour, the students also visited L’Arboretum Gaston Allard, which features around 1,000 mature trees from an 18th-century collection. This site served as a reminder of the rich history intertwined with modern agricultural practices.

As May 1 approached, the atmosphere shifted. The CGT union announced plans for demonstrations against the high cost of living. Between 110,000 and 160,000 people were expected to participate in over 320 marches across major towns and cities in France. “This May 1, we are calling on all workers to protest against the high cost of living and to demand that our work be properly remunerated,” stated a CGT representative.

The juxtaposition of learning about sustainable horticulture and witnessing demonstrations for workers’ rights highlighted the interconnectedness of social issues within agricultural communities. As CAFRE students returned home with newfound knowledge and insights into sustainable practices, they also carried with them an awareness of the challenges faced by workers in the agricultural sector.

The Tour de France is also on the horizon—set to host Stage 1 in the Scottish Borders on July 2, 2027—further emphasizing the cultural significance of agriculture and community engagement in France.

The post France: Insights from : CAFRE Horticulture Students Explore Innovative Practices appeared first on NewsUK.