Farming in France holds an important position in the local communities as well as the minds of many people, both from a cultural perspective and an economic one. French agricultural life plays a role in many corners of the country and top most in Normandy and Pays de la Loire, it is therefore sad to see that following a farm owner's retirement many farms are left to drift into a state of disrepair if no one can be found to take over their running. The effect of this is that the value of the farm drops away and there are some bargains are to be had.

But the French government is keen to see farmland continue to be worked and is especially keen to see younger farmers, including those from the UK, take over the running of a farm.

The Société d'Aménagement Foncier et d'Etablissement Rural (SAFER) is backed by the agriculture ministry and provides advice and information on both buying a farm and the training available for those looking to commit themselves to running a farm, they also have an English language site.

SAFER provides assistance and advice so a quick look at the website would be a good place to start finding out more of what they offer. For example, details of the different tax regimes applicable depending upon both your family status and type of farming project, as well as advice on health and pension provision. Naturally buying a farm in France is not a decision you take lightly, but reading up as much as possible on the subject and calling on the services of  the professionals should get you off to a good start.

Another good site to find more information on Farms and Farming is the EuroFarms website which is a good place to start as it is also available in English as well as French and other languages.

How to achieve the status of farmer?

Criteria :

50% of your working time must be given over to farming activities.

50% of your total income must come from agricultural production, tourism, forestry or other activities ; these activities must be based on the farm.

At least 25% of your income must come directly from the production activity itself.
 
You must be affiliated to the Farmers Health Insurance (A.M.E.X.A.) at the M.S.A. (Mutualité Sociale Agricole).

Do I need to have an agricultural diploma to become a farmer in France?

Not necessarily. You will need to acquire Professional Agricultural Qualifications in some cases ; this is obtained either through the equivalence of the diplomas you have obtained in your own country or by validation of your professional agricultural experience.  

You will need them if you are going to request financial aid from the State and if you apply for authorisation to farm.

What is the “installation route”?

The aim of the installation policy is to encourage a large number of young candidates, capable of taking on the responsibility of a farm within the context of a viable project.
 
There are two main grants: the Young Farmers installation grant (DJA) and Young Farmers loans intended to finance installation.
 
All applicants for these installation grants must follow what is known as the “installation route”, which includes an economic approach to the installation project, professional qualifications and monitoring of the installation according to the following stages:
- Acquisition of professional capacity 
- Search for a farm and access to property
- Preparation of installation and fine-tuning of the project
- Financing of the installation project
- Validation of the installation project

I am not a member of the European Community, can I become a farmer in France?

You can become a farmer in France, however, you will not have access to State financial assistance with installation, except if a bilateral agreement has been signed in this respect with your country.

What will my application be worth, up against a French application?

At a time when the number of farms is dropping year on year, installation of young farmers has become a priority – wherever they are from.
It is the quality and maturity of the project which overrides, in principle, the origin of the project creators. (However it may be the case that local candidates, because of their integration into the local rural fabric, benefit from advantages compared to other Europeans).

Building up a mature, viable project is your surest asset and TDE is here to help you.

Thank you to the websites mentioned here for the content of this article. Happy Farming.

Blog submitted by: Sharon at Cle France.

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