Local farmer diversifies chestnut production

Adrien Vezinet, a local farmer, grows chestnuts on four out of five hectares of his land, managing orchards in Colognac and cultivating in Lasalle. He mainly produces two varieties: Dauphine and Marigoule chestnuts.

Farmer explores new grafting techniques

During an interview with Objectif Sud at the Lasalle chestnut festival, Vezinet discussed grafting old Dauphine orchards into Pellegrine, a different chestnut variety. This technique may help improve yield or adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Support programs aid small-scale farming

Vezinet’s production is supplemented with potatoes and sweet onions. He carried out pruning himself with assistance and benefited from the PASS program of the Occitanie Region, which supports small agricultural investments, as banks are often difficult to mobilize for such purposes.

European funds boost chestnut processing

He also received assistance for planting emerging crops, including grafting new trees annually. Vezinet confirmed that 80% of the 35,000 euros invested was covered by support. With European funds, Brin de Castagne received 49,000 euros in total, allowing him to acquire processing, storage, and packaging equipment, including a cold room essential for preserving fresh chestnuts.

Local cooperative supports chestnut sales

Vezinet sells as much of his chestnuts as possible in fresh form, with the potential to process the remainder at the CUMA (common agricultural equipment cooperative) of Pendedis, in Saint-Michel-de-Dèze. This cooperative provides shared resources and equipment to local farmers.