Middle school students from the Hyères basin discover the horticultural sector

Often perceived solely through the prism of flowers, the horticultural sector is nevertheless full of diverse professions: farmer, cut flower grower, nursery gardener, specialized salesman, flower market operator...

Florisud and Agricampus Var have therefore combined their expertise to offer young people an immersion at the heart of this sector. NATIONAL SOVEREIGNTY An initiative welcomed by Stéphane Rambaud, Member of Parliament for the 3rd constituency of Var: "Horticulture is part of the very identity of Hyères and the Var basin. It embodies a unique know-how that is essential to transmit to younger generations."

Une initiative saluée par Stéphane Rambaud, député de la 3ème circonscription du Var : « L’horticulture fait partie de l’identité même de Hyères et du bassin varois. Elle incarne un savoirfaire unique qu’il est essentiel de transmettre aux jeunes générations. Dans un contexte où nos filières agricoles et horticoles peinent à recruter, cette immersion est une excellente manière de redonner envie aux jeunes de s’orienter vers des métiers concrets, enracinés dans notre économie locale et notre patrimoine rural. Je défends depuis toujours le soutien aux formations agricoles, la valorisation des métiers et la relocalisation de notre production. À ce titre, je ne peux que me féliciter de toute initiative visant à renforcer l’attractivité d’une filière qui fait vivre des familles, participe à la souveraineté nationale et contribue au rayonnement de notre région. Je resterai attentif aux retours de cette semaine de découverte, et j’encourage d’autres établissements du territoire à s’inscrire dans cette dynamique ». En effet, faire découvrir la filière horticole aux collégiens, c’est préparer les générations qui demain feront vivre nos territoires comme l'a rappelé Nicolas Bourgeois, directeur de l’EPLEFPA Agricampus Var : « À travers cette initiative, nous affirmons notre rôle : accompagner les jeunes vers les métiers du vivant. L’immersion proposée cette semaine est une étape clé pour sensibiliser les jeunes à la richesse de ces métiers ».

In a context where our agricultural and horticultural sectors are struggling to recruit, this immersion is an excellent way to inspire young people to move towards concrete careers rooted in our local economy and our rural heritage. I have always advocated for supporting agricultural training, promoting professions, and localizing our production. In this respect, I can only welcome any initiative aimed at strengthening the attractiveness of a sector that supports families, contributes to national sovereignty, and helps our region shine.

I will remain attentive to the feedback from this discovery week, and I encourage other institutions in the territory to join this dynamic."

Indeed, introducing middle school students to the horticultural sector means preparing the generations that will sustain our territories tomorrow, as Nicolas Bourgeois, director of EPLEFPA Agricampus Var, pointed out: "Through this initiative, we assert our role: guiding young people towards professions related to living things. The immersion offered this week is a key step in raising young people's awareness of the richness of these careers."

FUTURE VOCATIONS Former president of an agricultural union in Var, Max Bauer continues: "I personally participated in the working meetings, which were rich in exchanges. Together with all the participants, we thought about making this initiative operational and attractive. We often hear parents say that an observation internship is useless, that it is a waste of time, and that they have other things to think about than calling so-and-so to place their child.

Here is a great opportunity from the horticultural sector, an immersion that may lead to future vocations."

According to FranceAgriMer and Valhor, the Sud region is the leading French region in terms of the number of horticultural farms, confirming its major role in the production of flowers, plants, and various vegetation. Thus, the horticultural sector represents a breeding ground for professional opportunities and an opportunity not to be missed by young people.