The Ministry of Agriculture has describe the course as ‘agro-ecology’ and will deal with the subject of increasing food production in France while resources are spared and countryside is persevered and restored.

Training school students in this manner is vital for the evolution of agriculture, according to the National Federation of Farmers Unions (FNSEA) which praised the initiative for trying to explain the critical role farmers play in the economic future of the country.

Another strength of the programme was the coming together of producers with academic institutions, the organisation added.

But, the FNSEA also stated that the role of farmers should principally be food production.

The FNSEA said: “It is essential to remember that, while respecting the environment and resource conservation, the work of the farmer is economically viable. The economic performance can provide satisfactory production volumes; provide income to farmers and to guarantee employment in the territories.”

Furthermore, the FNSEA has emphasised the importance of the great diversity of French agriculture and that any sustainability drive should act with the country’s heritage in mind.