A pilot programme to model the value of biodiversity
While no-one can deny that biodiversity is declining, we need to understand it better on farms. And to understand it, we need to measure it: qualify and quantify it. This is the aim of the biodiversity measurement programme launched by Hectar on its pilot farm, with which the Maïsadour Co-operative Group is associated.
The aim of this project is to measure biodiversity in detail by integrating new technologies and comparing the results of innovative technological tools (connected beehives, sensors, bioacoustics, environmental DNA, etc.) with traditional measurement methods. Traditional methods can only be carried out by biodiversity specialists using sampling-based protocols.
The aim is to assess the reliability, accuracy and economic feasibility of these solutions so that they can be made available to farmers. As a partner, Maïsadour will have direct access to the results of experiments, feedback from the field and the solutions proposed by the start-ups involved.
Maïsadour’s 3-year commitment is in line with its AMBiTiON 2030 strategy, and echoes practices already encouraged within the Group, such as hedge planting, soil cover and crop diversification.
Hectar: an ecosystem serving regenerative, innovative and inclusive agriculture
Founded in 2019 by Audrey Bourolleau, former agricultural adviser, and Xavier Niel, entrepreneur and investor, Hectar is a unique non-profit organisation. Located in Levis-Saint-Nom, in the Île-de-France region (78), it brings together on the same site a 300-hectare pilot farm, a training campus and a start-up accelerator. Its ambition is clear: to develop high-performance, sustainable and transferable agricultural models, combining technological innovation, respect for ecosystems and economic viability.
As a large-scale experimentation centre, Hectar acts as an accelerator of the agro-ecological transition. It relies on an active community of 70 start-ups, more than 500 mentors and 30 committed partners to propose concrete solutions to the challenges facing agriculture today. Since its creation, more than 20,000 people have visited the site and 150 agricultural entrepreneurs have received support for their projects.
In addition to environmental aspects, Hectar is also carrying out studies into farm work management to improve farm organisation, reduce drudgery and make the profession more attractive. A comprehensive approach that takes into account both the soil and the men and women who cultivate it.
"Biodiversity is a precious asset that we must preserve. It is at the heart of our vision of regenerative agriculture.
Thanks to this partnership with Hectar, we will gain a better understanding of the costs and benefits associated with preserving it, while exploring practical tools to help our members take action. The study of biodiversity on our farms and the integration of new technologies are levers for more environmentally-friendly farming, as this will ensure that the land is preserved for future generations.
This is a new step towards building sustainable, innovative and connected agriculture together."
