Self-employed farmer since 9 years in the west of Sarthe, Romain Langlais is a partner of Qairos Energies. Enthusiastic, he confides his experience.
On 2012, Romain Langlais chooses to settle in Neuvy-en-champagne, a municipality of 370 habitants. Naturally, he takes over the family business, becoming the fourth generation of farmer. A 33 years, the young man is at the head of a farm 150 hectares. Romain has also been an agricultural entrepreneur for eight years and deputy mayor of his village.. Invested in his work, he scans social networks to support and defend the voice of farmers : ecology yes, but realistic.
Why did you choose to become a farmer?
As many, I became a farmer out of passion. I was keen to keep the family farm going by bringing certain forgotten practices up to date, such as the cultivation of flax and hemp.. Historically, Sarthe is a land of hemp. My grandparents did not experience globalization and produced everything locally, it's time to come back.
Why become a partner of Qairos Energies?
I support the energy production project. In my opinion, it is also the role of the farmer. The Trangé site will serve the uses of a community, what makes sense. I use synthetic products only when I no longer have a choice, I always wanted to diversify my crop rotation and I had difficulty finding innovative sectors. I tried to grow medicinal plants but the project was ultimately unsuccessful. Hemp production for Qairos Energies is a great opportunity.
“Hemp production for Qairos Energies is a great opportunity”
What is the added value of hemp for you?
First of all, hemp is an excellent precedent for the cultivation of wheat. At the ecological level, it does not require phytosanitary products and very little fertilizer. At the economic level, hemp allows me to make a gross margin equivalent to that of a cereal. I finally found a sector that was both local and structured.
Interview by C. Lorne