Eat local with the Ré-Unis producers' farm!

A beautiful cooperative project at Bois-Plage

Cultivate the spirit of cooperation and sharing!

In the commune of Bois-Plage-en-Ré, a stone's throw from the Cave Coopérative des Vignerons de l'île de Ré , a somewhat special store is always full. Seasonal fruits and vegetables , cheeses and dairy products made from cow and goat milk, beef , veal, lamb , pork , poultry , eggs , oysters , lentils , pasta , honey, sweet cakes , bread , wines and cognac , nuts and hazelnuts , syrups and aromatic plants , samphire , flowers , cookies , saffron , beers ... the well- stocked stalls are full of appetizing products. Here, do not look for brands or big names from the French distribution. Terroir is in the spotlight, authenticity too!

The adventure of the cooperative “ La Ferme des Producteurs Ré-Unis ” began in 2015. The magazine opened with the products of more than 25 different producers to market. In principle, it is an alternative to the price war imposed on them by large retailers and, in form, this initiative aims to enhance the work of small local family farms by favoring the short circuit and proximity with the consumer. Watchword ? The producers are located on the Ile de Ré or within a radius of 100 km maximum from this point of sale.

The short circuit, guaranteed freshness and quality!

   

     

Aurélie the salt producer on the Ile de Ré, Sébastien the beekeeper of Bernay Saint Martin, Laurent the cattle farmer of the Valley, Jean-Marie and Agnès the horticulturalists of Bois Plage, Harald and Cécile the market gardeners of Sainte-Marie de Ré, Camille the producer of Aigrefeuille d'Aunis goat cheese , Matthieu the samphire cultivator of Ars-en-Ré… When entering the store, you can't miss this shocking team ! Thirty photos of these producers sit above the shelves where their products are sold. Identifying the origin of products and putting a face on these craftsmen fully responds to the quest for meaning of consumers looking for links with the land and a reasoned agriculture, more respectful of the environment. By limiting transport and intermediaries, the short circuit is fully in line with a sustainable development approach . On the consumer side, there is success: a diversified range of delicious seasonal products , attractive prices and complete traceability from field to plate. Not to mention the friendly and warm atmosphere that reigns in the store!

When the producers run the store

    

    

Today it is Matthieu the samphire producer and Arnaud the beer brewer who run the shop. Going from their place of production to a stall is an interesting change of profession which gives them a vision of commercial practice and brings them closer to consumers.

In turn, all producers take turns to actively participate in the management of the store: manage stocks, supply stalls, provide advice, share their passion. Their presence is crucial to inform customers about their food, their know-how and that of their colleagues. A real team spirit and collaboration!

The movement initiated by the “Ferme des Producteurs Ré-Unis” has aroused real enthusiasm among consumers, whether local, visiting the Ile de Ré or in Charente-Maritime. New producers regularly join the team and the offer continues to grow. Since January 2020, for example, hemp oils from Ferme de l'Orée , located in Thézac, or even raw cider from Vergers de Rivaux have found their place on the store shelves. During your next visit to the Ile de Ré, do not hesitate to go and see for yourself this little corner of paradise for committed gourmets. You will delight your taste buds!

Practical information :

• Click to see the sheet of the Ferme des Producteurs Ré-Unis on the Charente Maritime Guide
• Find the “Ferme des Producteurs Ré-Unis” in the Chemin des Guignardes at Bois Plage en Ré.
• In winter, the store is open Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. In summer the store is open every day.

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Article and photos prepared by Lesley Williamson

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