Farmers near Chartres grow low-impact crops

Since 2022, farmers around the city of Chartres in the Eure-et-Loir department have been growing low-impact diversification crops to improve the quality of water used by the local metropolis. These crops are part of a broader effort to reduce environmental impact and support sustainable farming practices.

PSE program supports environmental efforts

The Payment for Environmental Services (PSE) program supports these efforts by providing financial incentives to farmers who grow eligible crops. Frédéric André, a farmer in Favières, Eure-et-Loir, has been part of the PSE since 2022 after learning about it during a technical event focused on miscanthus, a type of grass used for biomass.

Eligible crops include sunflower, sorghum, and hemp

Low-impact diversification crops include sunflower, sorghum, buckwheat, hemp, miscanthus, and organic farming products. These crops aim to reduce the environmental impact of traditional winter crop rotations, which make up the majority of local farming. They also help manage soil health and improve water quality by reducing runoff and erosion.

Eligibility and payment details for PSE

To qualify for the PSE, farmers must have at least 10% of their land in a water intake area and commit to growing more than 5% of their land in eligible crops over five years. Payments per hectare range from 130 to 600 euros, but are limited to 20% of the farm’s total area.

Challenges in maintaining PSE eligibility

Frédéric André initially grew sorghum and sunflower under the PSE program, earning over 600 euros per hectare in 2023. However, he had to stop growing sorghum in 2024 due to a lack of market demand. He then planted hemp and sunflower, but the sunflower was destroyed by slugs due to wet weather, forcing him to plant ineligible maize instead.

Shift to new crops and continued PSE participation

In 2025-2026, Frédéric André stopped growing hemp due to contract issues and shifted to barley and spring oat seed production. He will continue with these crops through 2026-2027. Despite these challenges, he remains supportive of the PSE program, which he credits with encouraging more sustainable farming practices and improving water quality.

Innovative cover crops for soil health

Frédéric André has also been experimenting with intercropping cover crops, using a mix of five species without grasses and including legumes like vetch. These crops help produce more biomass, reduce weed growth, and improve soil fertility by returning nitrogen to the soil. These practices may be considered for future PSE funding.

Future plans for PSE and local supply chains

Chartres metropolis is working with local partners to strengthen supply chains for these crops. A new version of the PSE program is expected to be introduced soon, potentially expanding support for innovative farming techniques like those used by Frédéric André.