Joy Grows in the Fields
A Fertile Journey
A CV as long as your arm wouldn’t be enough to sum up Isabelle’s journey—her experiences are vast, rich in learning, and deeply rooted in conviction. The common thread? Commitment.
First in politics, and ultimately as an engaged citizen. “I am free and unconstrained,” she explains, “and I have the ability to create change.”
That’s exactly what she does with her project Étamine, whose subtitle speaks for itself: “From Soil to Plate.”
A Taste for Sustainability
A concrete, dual-purpose solution in the Roanne region, where there is a shortage of local organic market gardeners and where school catering services struggle to source quality products.
Believing in the power of collective action, Isabelle has united local stakeholders around a simple yet impactful idea: helping farmers transition to organic agriculture!
This led to the creation of Étamine, a test farm where aspiring and experienced farmers alike can experiment with their agricultural projects.
Living the Organic Way
No One Understands Agricultural and Environmental Challenges Better Than Isabelle.
A farmer and livestock breeder, she chose this path out of conviction, despite the obstacles. As a child, spending summers on her uncle’s farm, she already dreamt of becoming a farmer. But her father persuaded her to give up on this job—“too tough for a woman.”
She pursued a career as a laboratory technician before eventually returning to her first love. In the 1980s, she established her first farm. By 1992, she had transitioned to organic farming.
Thirty years of expertise, just waiting to be shared.
Ten Years of Solid Success
Étamine’s Mission?
“To support market gardeners and livestock farmers who want to transition to organic farming in the region,” explains Isabelle.
To achieve this, she established a 13-hectare test farm, where aspiring farmers receive guidance during three years—giving them the time and space to experiment and bring their projects to life on a real-world scale.
“We’ve also developed a method to optimise small-scale organic farming while conserving water resources,” Isabelle adds with a smile.
The result? Over 21 farmers trained in organic agriculture at Étamine in just ten years—a vital step towards a more sustainable future for the planet and generations to come.
