A 49 years, Xavier Leroux farmer since 2001. Married and father of three, he lives near Doucelles in the north of Sarthe and works with Qairos Energies.
There is just 20 years old Xavier Leroux settles with his father in the family farm in Doux. On 2007, it is alone that he takes up the torch. In order to lengthen the rotations, it does not only produce grain crops – in Saint-Christophe-en-Champagne, barley – but also rapeseed, beans and hemp. The 164 hectares of land are conscientiously used.
Why did you choose to become a farmer ?
First of all, I really like my region. I also enjoy working alone, and autonomy. And finally, I am sensitive to being outside, in direct contact with nature.
Why become a partner of Qairos Energies ?
I have been a hemp grower for many years and I know the history of the department on this subject. I want to continue producing this crop and the Qairos Energies project is really innovative. It presents interesting opportunities. I am thinking in particular of the production of hydrogen, which has a lot of future.. The stakes are high and Qairos Energies has the means to respond to them in an original way..
“The Qairos Energies project is truly innovative”
What is the added value of hemp for you ?
Hemp restructures the soil and leaves it clean – without weeds- for the following crops. This is a real benefit because the floor is cleaned naturally.
Interview by C. Lorne