Date: February 15, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: ASSOCIATION PASTORALE DES BOUTIÈRES Headquarters, Saint-Martin-de-Valamas
Event Description
The Pastoralism and Sustainable Agriculture Forum is a one-day, free public event dedicated to exploring the vital role of pastoral practices and sustainable agriculture within rural territories. Designed for farmers, land managers, students, policymakers, and the general public, this forum offers a comprehensive look at the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture today, with a particular focus on pastoral systems and ecological stewardship.
The event begins at 10:00 AM with a welcome address from the association’s chairperson, who will outline the day’s program and underscore the critical importance of pastoralism to regional landscapes and rural economies. Participants will then be invited to join the first keynote session, “Pastoralism in the 21st Century: Balancing Tradition and Innovation.” In this session, regional pastoral experts and researchers will discuss how centuries-old grazing practices can be adapted to modern sustainability challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and shifting market pressures.
At 11:30 AM, the forum continues with a moderated panel discussion titled “Sustainable Agriculture Pathways for Local Territories.” Panelists will include representatives from agricultural cooperatives, local government, environmental NGOs, and academic institutions. The dialogue will explore practical strategies for integrating sustainable methods into everyday farming and land management, emphasizing solutions that work in similar rural settings across France.
A break for lunch is scheduled from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, during which attendees can enjoy locally sourced food provided by community partners. This break also offers a chance for informal networking and discussions with speakers and fellow participants.
Following lunch, the afternoon sessions begin with interactive workshops. The first workshop, “Pasture Design and Rotational Grazing Techniques,” will provide hands-on guidance in pasture planning, livestock movement, and soil health management. Participants will receive practical tools for improving grazing systems on their own farms and lands. Concurrently, the second workshop, “Agroecology Meets Pastoral Practice,” will explore the integration of agroecological principles into pastoral systems, highlighting case studies that illustrate successful implementation.
At 4:00 PM, all participants reconvene for a collaborative roundtable, “Defining the Future of Rural Land Use.” In this session, attendees are invited to share their insights, experiences, and visions for enhancing sustainable agriculture in the Boutières region and beyond. This participatory dialogue aims to build shared understanding and identify actionable community priorities.
The day concludes at 6:00 PM with a closing summary and a call to action, emphasizing the partnership between community members, farmers, and institutional stakeholders in advancing sustainable agricultural futures.
This forum is free and open to the public, welcoming individuals of all backgrounds who share an interest in pastoralism, agriculture, sustainability, and rural development.
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