Buying a French farm

THE possibility of working within French agriculture is an attractive proposition for many British farmers.

Farming in France is seen as a vitally important part of the economy even though the numbers actually working in the sector are falling.

This means farms and land are available, usually at a good price, and the French government is particularly keen to see young farmers set up business.

A useful starting point for those keen to set themselves up on a farm is the Eurofarms website, which offers a property search service and advice on the industry itself.

Eurofarms has lists of farms available and an in depth knowledge of the French regions, it is run by George Lidbury who is bilingual and from an agricultural/property background.

The site has a list of arable, livestock and dairy farms up for sale that provide an insight into the going rate for a property.

Farms that currently receive subsidies usually go for a higher price, but how about an organic smallholding in the north of the Dordogne with a house and farm-shop for €297,000?

Then again for something a little bigger there is a farm and vineyard in the Midi-Pyrenees, within an hour of Toulouse, on the market for €525,000, and the current owner is offering to help the new owners.

Obviously making such a move is not to be taken lightly and beyond calling on the services of Eurofarms a couple of visits to the area would be very useful.

There is also plenty of information on the Chambre d’Agriculture website which has links to regional offices and some sections of the site are offered in English.

Related article: Setting up a farm in France