Farm transfer to non-family successor

Antoine Allard transferred his cereal farm in Vars, Charente, to Cédric Babaud on October 1st, 2026, after a two-year search for a suitable successor. The transfer is outside the family framework, marking a significant change in the farm’s future direction.

Technical support during transition

Antoine Allard provided technical support in the initial stages of the transfer, while Cédric Babaud took full control of the farm. Antoine sought a successor who would maintain the farm "independent and viable," and Cédric, the fourth serious candidate, met all the requirements.

Search for a suitable candidate

Previous candidates had obstacles, such as banking issues, personal mismatches, or difficulty finding land near their family farms. Cédric Babaud had initially contacted Antoine in March 2025, but Antoine was looking for someone younger and was also in discussion with another candidate.

Reconnection and acceptance

A year later, Cédric re-contacted Antoine after the republication of the farm's announcement on the repertoireinstallation.com website, which Antoine interpreted as a sign of Cédric's strong interest. Antoine accepted, considering Cédric's age of 40 still suitable for starting a new project.

Cédric’s background and plans

Cédric Babaud, who had worked for twenty years on a farm in Charente, first as an employee and then as an associate, aims to establish himself independently. The farm of Antoine Allard, located about ten kilometers from where Cédric grew up, will allow him to implement a project focused on soilless strawberries, complementing the existing cereal activity.

New project and economic viability

Cédric plans to set up a 1,200 square meter greenhouse for strawberry production, primarily for direct sales on the farm. This project, which enhances the economic viability of the farm, pleases Antoine Allard. The farm includes 110 hectares of land, with more than half being irrigable, though the superficial clay-limestone soils do not currently allow for sufficient income generation.

Personal and family considerations

Antoine Allard also wanted a successor who would settle in the house on the farm with his family, and Cédric will do so with his wife and daughter. Antoine will accompany Cédric in the initial stages, offering about two days per week of help with fields, mechanics, and irrigation.

Non-interference and new dynamics

In exchange, Cédric will allow Antoine to continue using the workshop where his equipment is stored. Antoine emphasized that he will not interfere in the farm's operations, stating that the absence of a father-son relationship changes the dynamics between seller and successor.

Personal experience and new ideas

Antoine Allard experienced tension with his father when he took over the family farm, but he believes that Cédric, who has experience, will bring new ideas. Antoine highlighted the importance of a good human relationship in a non-family transfer.

First tasks and transition

When Cédric arrived on the farm on August 31st, his first task was to de-weed using Antoine's equipment, which he became owner of in mid-September. Antoine managed his sunflower and corn harvests with equipment now belonging to Cédric by the end of September, without counting every liter of diesel consumed.

Antoine’s future plans

Antoine Allard's main objective is to pass on his technical know-how, but he wishes to distance himself from the administrative and regulatory burdens that prompted him to sell his farm. He is selling the farm before reaching retirement age to focus on other projects, though he will maintain the status of farmer for another three years on 20 hectares of pastures and fallow land.

Farm details and support

The farm includes 110 hectares of arable crops (soft wheat, barley, corn, sunflower, soybean, and peas), 1,200 square meters of soilless strawberries under a greenhouse (first production planned for 2027) with direct sales, and 78 hectares of irrigable land. Antoine Allard was supported by the Charente Agriculture Chamber since the end of 2023, which helped him prepare for retirement and defined the farm offer, including the description of the farm, date and mode of transfer, and desired profile of the successor.

Support throughout the process

The announcement was published on repertoireinstallation.com, which connects sellers and successors. The counselor from the agriculture chamber continues to provide support in the final stages of the transfer, alerting Antoine and Cédric to important details, particularly those related to land.