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Foundation Degree and BSc (Hons) Horticulture students from the College of Food, Agriculture and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) recently completed a study tour to France.
The tour was focused around Nantes and Angers in the Loire Valley region. The visit provided first-hand experience of ornamental production, research, education, organic food systems, and amenity horticulture. It showcased innovation, sustainability, and diversity within the French horticulture sector.
Innovative ornamental production in Nantes
The first visit of the tour was to Pépinières Lepage, a large-scale ornamental and bulb producer in Nantes. Students were guided by Guilhelm Bost, who shared valuable insights into modern nursery operations. The nursery produces approximately three million perennials and grasses annually for the landscaping sector. The site is prone to flooding, which influences their design and management decisions.
The visit focused on the advanced use of digital software to manage stock, workflow, and labour efficiency. They rely on robotics, barcoding, and digital monitoring tools to support plant health, irrigation, and performance tracking. This technology demonstrated how digital tools can improve productivity and inventory control. Students were encouraged to consider how similar tools could support lean management projects as part of their studies at CAFRE.
Higher education and research at Institut Agro Angers
The second stop was L’Institut Agro Rennes-Angers, a leading centre for higher education and research in agriculture and horticulture, specialising in horticultural production and landscape design.
CAFRE students toured the teaching and research facilities, including specialist research glasshouse units operating under quarantine conditions. They also met student groups working on international design projects, including a project on the Belfast Peace Wall. Researchers presented work on predictive virtual plant modelling, demonstrating how plant science supports future production and landscape design.
Sustainable organic market gardening in Saumur
The tour then continued to Saumur to visit organic market gardener Vincent Favreau. Mr Favreau supplies customers with seasonal weekly vegetable boxes. He established the business 20 years ago on approximately three hectares. The area presents challenging soil conditions and variable rainfall. Soil health is central to his production system and business approach. Mr Favreau is a strong advocate of sustainable and cooperative organic production.
None of the polytunnels are heated, and fossil fuel use is minimised. He follows minimum tillage and uses sheep to graze green manures inside tunnels and encourages seed saving. This trip encouraged students to consider how soil health underpins productivity, resilience, and long-term sustainability.
Amenity horticulture at L’Arboretum Gaston Allard
The final visit was to L’Arboretum Gaston Allard in Angers, for an insight into municipal park and garden management. The arboretum dates to the 18th century when an enthusiastic botanist and traveller, planted seeds and saplings from around the world on the family estate. Around 1,000 mature trees from the original collection remain today.
The arboretum now features several themed gardens showcasing planting design and sensory impact. The group explored the Hydrangea collection, the Shade Garden with magnolias and bamboo, the Garden of Trials displaying vibrant planting combinations, the Garden of Five Senses, and the Sauvage Garden, reflecting the natural landscapes of the region.
The study tour to France offered CAFRE horticulture students exposure to international best practice across production, research, sustainability, and amenity management. The diverse range of visits highlighted innovation, environmental responsibility, and reinforced the importance of global perspective in horticulture. Students returned to Greenmount Campus with fresh insight and renewed enthusiasm to apply their learning.
If you are interested in a career in Horticulture, CAFRE offers courses from Level 2 to BSc (Hons) degree. Full-time, part-time and apprenticeship routes are available, and courses are suitable for those leaving school or those considering a change in career.
CAFRE staff will be at Balmoral Show (13-16 May) in the Horticulture Hub pavilion and Eikon Centre (EK1). Visit our exhibition to talk to our team, hear about courses and the careers they lead to.
