Established in March 2012, the National Network of Farm incubators RENETA (Réseau National des Espaces-Test Agricoles) aims to promote farming tests.
Farming experiments or farm incubators enable prospective farmers to develop a life-size farming activity, in an autonomous way, during a limited time period, and in an environment designed to reduce risk-exposure. At the end of the time period, the prospective farmers evaluate their project and themselves, to decide whether to continue their project, modify it or abandon it.
The main activities of RENETA consist in:
- Experience-sharing and capacity-building: organisation of meetings and seminars, development of collaborative tools, training, publications, etc.;
- Companionship and expertise: support to emerging farm incubators, through peer-to-peer learning and other activities drawing from the wealth of experience in the network;
- Research and social innovation: making proposals to change the legal framework for entering agriculture and for creating local businesses, based on the principles of solidarity economy.
RENETA is now composed of 80 members, including 51 functioning incubator farms and 23 in project phase, as well as 6 associate members (national networks). The members of RENETA cooperate and mutualise their work, based on a Charter and common values: social and solidarity-based economy and people’s education.
Role in Newbie
RENETA leads the Work package 3 New Entrant Support Network Development.
Website: www.reneta.fr
