"A new producer, I cultivate a one-hectare plot of organic market gardening on which I occupy 800 m², including 50 m² under glass, but I'd like to at least double my surface area in time.

A series of encounters and a desire to work outside actively, to answer our questions about food autonomy, led me to take a 12-month training course and pass the BPREA to become a seed producer. What I like about this job is that I get to live for a season, or even two for biennials, with plants that I have the time to see grow from seed to old age and death. It's a daily companionship that delights me, on a scale where I can still take the time to observe and interact with the plant world. Even if we are strongly constrained to keep in touch with the flowering rhythms of our wild sisters, with whom certain species cross-breed, like carrots for example, this profession also encourages us to get out of our own fields and exchange ideas with our neighbors, so as not to take any risks with hybridizations.

My favorite varieties: the Basil "Elidia", slow to bolt, it was truly magnificent all season long and super fragrant. Another great discovery was the "Vert Grimpant" melon, with its sweet, very fragrant flesh that's much more melt-in-the-mouth and juicy than the Charentais melons that used to be my taste standard. Very productive, I just mulched and drip-watered it as needed, and am delighted to see it growing in Auvergne, in the open field, with a particularly dry season."