President of the Loué farmers' cooperative, Philippe Pancher is a farmer in Conlie. Committed, he never stops looking for solutions to offer sustainable and modern agriculture in line with the issues of climate change.
Married and father 3 children, To 57 years Philippe Pancher did not become a farmer until 35 years. Previously, he worked as a mechanic, then technical trainer in an apprentice training center in Maine-et-Loire. He gave courses there in maintenance of agricultural equipment and public works.. It's in 1998 that he decides to take over the business from his in-laws. Today, its turnover is made up of 50 % of crops (150 ha) and 50 % free-range poultry (1 full site either 4 buildings or 1600 m2 of surface). That's not all. Philippe Pancher has a sense of responsibility and a strong taste for human contact. President of the Local Conlie Farmers' Union, he is also elected by the chamber of agriculture in order to keep abreast of agricultural policy. On 2000, he becomes administrator of the farmers of rented, a positive energy cooperative, then Vice President, treasurer and finally … President the 29 May 2018. Meeting with a multifaceted entrepreneur.
Why did you become a farmer?
Becoming a farmer was a childhood dream. My parents had a small farm. When I had 11 Where 12 years, I spent every Thursday with our neighbor. He owned a farm that fascinated me. When I started my conversion, To 35 years, I still had a lot to learn. I took agronomy courses for a year to get up to speed.
Why did you become a partner of Qairos Energies ?
The purpose of the Qairos Energies project is innovative. Producing green hydrogen to fuel vehicles, I find it great. Hemp cultivation, as for her, is nothing new. sixty years ago, my father-in-law had planted hemp all over his farm to clean up his quackgrass-infested plots (a very invasive weed). It has proven to be extremely efficient in the rotation in addition to remunerating the farmer decently. So when Jean Foyer and Kevin Collet told me about the project, I did not hesitate. We share the same values.
” When Jean Foyer and Kevin Collet told me about the project, I did not hesitate. We share the same values “.
What is the added value of hemp for you ?
Hemp is a very complete plant to add to a rotation. She cleans the farm, improves the yield of the next crop, does not require phytosanitary products and little nitrogen. The carbon footprint of the operation is therefore reduced. Hemp is also very water-intensive, it does not need to be irrigated. This is an important point. In this same logic, I prefer sunflower to corn in spring cultivation, because here, soils have an average usable water reserve. I regularly take part in meetings with the water agency to improve the quality and management of water in Sarthe.
Interview by C. Lorne