We are farmers in the Camargue in the south of France.
Agroecology is an agricultural approach that we have been practicing for about fifteen years. Our main motivation is to achieve an agriculture that would fit harmoniously into the Camargue biotope.
Our very atypical agro-ecological rice cultivation method has been in place for about ten years: the rice is weeded using ducks which have the particularity of eating pests (chironomids, borer, aquatic weevils) and weeds present in rice fields. It is an Asian rice weed control technique that we are the first to use in Europe.
We have taken up the challenge of managing weeds, the main handicap in rice cultivation, by using the biological lever. We are not acting against nature, because we practice weeding rice fields by ducks, a method which today shows all its effectiveness and relevance. Finally, our rice cultivation is more water efficient than the traditional system. We proceed to dry sowing which does not require watering the rice before the three-leaf stage.
This agro-ecological method gives our rice a mushroom / hazelnut taste which has made its reputation.
We also cultivate ancient wheats to conserve a precious genetic resource. Old wheats are adapted to our non-intensive cropping system. They have tall straws which are a refuge for birds (nesting place) and for small mammals.
Finally, they are appreciated by peasant bakers in the region and participate in the local economy.
Finally, we launched an agroforestry experiment with the creation of islands in the middle of rice fields and the planting of several kilometers of hedges to protect land and animals.