Pays de la Loire

Varied agriculture  

Agriculture in the Pays de la Loire region is extremely diverse, with around 23,000 farms. There is a wide variety of livestock, including cattle for milk and meat, goats for milk, sheep, poultry with recognised labels such as Loué and Challans, as well as pig farms.  

The region is also rich in crops. Cereals, vegetables, market gardening in open fields or under glass, wine-growing with numerous appellations and AOP/IGP, and arboriculture are all grown here.  

A mild climate  

The region has an ‘oceanic’ climate, with mild winters and regular rainfall. This is known as the ‘mild climate of Anjou’. This climate is therefore ideal for growing crops and feeding animals. Summer droughts are less frequent and less severe than in regions further from the sea. The number of days with severe frost (< – 5°C) is very low, or even non-existent along the Atlantic coast.   

A strong agricultural dynamic  

 Thanks to its strong agricultural base, the region has a large number of agri-food industries. The economic fabric is made up of a large number of SMEs and SMIs, as well as internationally-focused businesses, providing farmers with a wide range of outlets and making it easier for them to transfer their businesses. The demographic dynamic, with the growth of major urban centres (Nantes, Angers, Le Mans, etc.) in particular, represents an opportunity for farmers who sell their products directly.  

What’s more, the region is the leading French region in terms of the area under organic farming.   

Quality of life  

As well as being a dynamic agricultural area, the region has many assets to attract new residents. The region’s demographic dynamism, proximity to the Atlantic coast and major transport links, its numerous infrastructures and its climate are all assets that will appeal to young families!  

To illustrate this, the population is growing by an average of 0.7% a year, with the Loire-Atlantique region even growing by 1.3%!  

 Affordable land  

 Last but not least, the price of land is affordable. In fact, agricultural land in the region is among the most affordable in France, particularly in Loire-Atlantique and Vendée. The gap is even greater with our European neighbours. But don’t think that the quality of the land is the issue. The potential may vary from sector to sector, but it’s good.  

This is a real opportunity to set up in farming on a comfortable surface area for a controlled budget!