The New Generation: Young Farmers and Innovation

Despite challenges, young farmers bring fresh perspectives to French agriculture. The average farmer age of 51 masks significant generational change, with 25,000 new farmers installing annually. Many bring non-agricultural backgrounds and innovative approaches.

Thomas Petit exemplifies this new generation. After studying engineering and working in renewable energy, he returned to transform his family's struggling 80-hectare grain farm:

- Installed solar panels on barn roofs, generating rental income - Launched an on-farm flour mill, selling directly to local bakeries - Converted 20 hectares to agroforestry, combining trees with crops - Developed carbon credit projects through soil management - Created an educational program bringing school groups to the farm

"I don't see myself as just a farmer but as an entrepreneur managing natural resources," Thomas explains. "Agriculture must provide food, energy, environmental services, and rural development."