A diversified orchard in Gourdinne

A diversified orchard with old varieties in Gourdinne

Panier Culture is a market gardening project that started in 2012. Developed by Sophie and Denis, it relies on a motivated collective. Market gardening on a human scale, therefore. And while the pursuit of taste is the main driver of this project, respect for the soil and price accessibility are other pillars. PlantC has chosen to support their diversified orchard project.

The Panier Culture project has always gone beyond that of the vegetable basket. It aims to create a community of people sensitive to quality agricultural production, seeking more flavorful varieties over the plant’s pure profitability. All while developing techniques increasingly focused on respect for soils.

An orchard, finally!

The orchard has always been a central point of the Panier Culture project. After a first location was made available to start, then another, at the bottom of a valley suffering from late frosts, this orchard project could never truly materialize.

In 2020, Panier Culture finally had enough space to set up an orchard. In 2021, the land was affected by floods. It is therefore in 2022, 10 years after its beginnings, that this long- awaited project truly begins.

Renaissance with trees

After complicated seasons (late frosts, shop closure during COVID, floods), the orchard stands as a symbol of Panier Culture’s renaissance. It represents a new breath of life where it can finally integrate agroforestry to cope with these events.

This idea stems from two observations: trees bring an entire ecosystem and biodiversity to the land, making them essential in several respects. Through their organic contribution, they will enrich the soil and thus offer the market gardening project a long-term vision.

Knowing the lifespan of trees, which is much longer than ours, Sophie and Denis wish to leave future generations richer soil than when they started.

A true laboratory orchard

The planting of trees is above all a gamble for tomorrow: how to make the right choice of fruit trees according to their location, according to the nature of the soil? How to face new climate challenges? How to choose varieties while being torn between today’s sure values in terms of taste, the rediscovery of old varieties, and the testing of new varieties for tomorrow? Which fruit trees are most resistant to diseases to avoid chemical treatment, while still paying attention to taste?

It’s impossible to know everything; Panier Culture’s idea is to surround itself with experienced people:

• PlantC, which coordinates the planting and mobilizes its network to assist the project with advice, logistics, and funding.
• Sylvain from the Hortus press cooperative, in charge of advice and the planting itself.
• Michel Charlier, a horticulturist in Gourdinne, has created an orchard with over 200 different fruit trees over the past 20 years. He shares his experience and the varieties that thrive in our region.
• Pierre, from “Bois de Rode,” who will guide part of the future selections with his “laboratory” nursery in choosing exceptional new species.

50 different trees were planted on December 3, 2022, in this plantation, thanks to the thoughtful work balancing the choice of varieties between tradition and discovery. The very short supply chain also allows Panier Culture to pick fruits when they are ripe. Finally, sheep will graze a part of this orchard.

The challenges of this project

• The 1^st challenge is to grow the trees to guarantee quality, flavorful fruits. The varietal choice must therefore prioritize taste and be designed to withstand long transport and storage.
• Contribute to the profitability and financial autonomy of the overall project. Offer fruits in a local circuit at an accessible price to all. The commercialization of fruits will be offered via baskets or direct sales in a small shop located in the village and its surroundings.
• Finally, the last challenge is to welcome the public to the site through educational visits and activities, in order to present the entire project and offer a sharing of experience.

Beyond the orchard, Sophie and Denis wish to create a richer and vibrant ecosystem.

To enable the deployment of the orchard (in parallel with the market gardening project). PlantC supported the purchase, planting, and protection of the trees.

Since 2021, VO Group has partnered with PlantC. We cannot speak highly enough of this company: their purpose, the professionalism of their team, and their genuine interest in the living world are all truly positive.

VO-Group