A 54 years, Patrice Gandais is installed with his partner Benoît Lair in Laigné-en-belin, south of Le Mans. Passionate about the cultivation of hemp, he wants production to be democratized throughout the department.
Patrice Gandais does not come from the agricultural world. On 2000, his brother-in-law contacted him and told him about a farm in Laigné-en-Belin. His wife being from Belin, he seizes the opportunity. 21 years later, he is a chicken farmer from Loué (10 buildings) and owns 140 hectares of crops including wheat but, barley, rye and hemp for several years.
Why did you choose to become a farmer ?
I have three uncles who were farmers and I often went on vacation to one of them. I got a taste and I remember that I wanted to buy cows. Later, I started out as a farm worker for 15 years in the Loué region before setting up on my own in Laigné-en-Belin.
Why did you choose to become a partner of Qairos Energies ?
In reality, they are the ones who came to get me. I was already growing hemp for the CAVAC. I am also president of the Association of Sarthe Hemp Producers. Unfortunately in recent decades, culture has disappeared mainly because of the orobanche. It is a small fungus causing stunted growth or even total loss of the crop. Today, I would like culture to take off again. When Qairos Energies told me about their project, I was pleasantly surprised by the very innovative process. We need to believe !
” When Qairos Energies told me about their project, I was pleasantly surprised at his innovative process “
What is the added value of hemp for you ?
It’s an additional crop in the rotation. I produce 10 hectares of hemp each year. At the agronomic level, it is a good precedent for cereals. At the ecological level, it does not require phytosanitary products except manure and a little fertilizer. Economically speaking, its profitability depends on the price of cereals.
Interview by C. Lorne