🔥 2027 Training Program: Applications are now open—sign up today!
🔥 2027 Training Program: Applications are now open—sign up today!
Since 2025, Cultive has been training the next generation of market gardeners in a proven method designed to enable everyone to make a living as a market gardener.
Combining bio-intensive farming techniques with managerial and entrepreneurial skills, our program provides the knowledge and tools needed to run a productive, sustainable farm that respects ecosystems.
Structured around three months of theory and six months of hands-on training, the program guides aspiring farmers through a growing season to master every aspectofthe method—includingbio-intensive farming techniques and practices, strategic planning, optimized crop management, business strategy, and leadership—and to become self-sufficient in all aspects of farm operations.
Location: Campus Cultive
, Montaigu, Vendée
Duration: 9 months
from February to October
The goal of the training program is to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of a diversified farm focused on small-scale organic vegetable production.
The program is based on a proven methodology that covers agricultural production techniques, farm management, distribution, and marketing.
The training program also covers environmental, economic, and social contexts, as well as regulatory requirements and the principles of participatory and rotational management.
Our approach aims to promote a balanced lifestyle, ensure business stability, and sell our products at a fair price.
3 months
intensive theoretical training
6 months
supervised practical training at a training farm.
Methods and techniques for bio-intensive vegetable farming
Work Organization and Human Resources
Agricultural marketing: sales, marketing, and distribution
Crop planning, roadmap, and optimized crop rotation
Day-to-day production management
Managing complementary components of a diversified farm: fruit tree cultivation and laying hens
We regularly host one-hour live sessions to provide details about our training program, explain our approach, and, most importantly, answer all your questions.
Our upcoming information sessions:
Since 2026, Cultive has been preparing its students during their training to earn theTEAcertification—Agricultural Entrepreneur Technician (RNCP 37612 – certificate code: 46421004)—which is recognized by the government.
This certification qualifies the holder forprofessional agricultural status, which is a prerequisite for establishing oneself as a farmer and gaining access to agricultural land, start-up assistance, and financing—provided that the applicable criteria are met.
What this means for you in practical terms:
– A dual degree in 9 months
– No additional classes outside the Cultive program
– Program registration fees included in your tuition
– A state-recognized degree that validates and certifies your skills
The course fee includesaccess to the Market Gardener Masterclass developed by Jean-Martin Fortier, a pioneer of the bio-intensive gardening method.
In partnership with the Institut du Jardinier Maraîcher, we enable participants in our training program to access the tools and content on this digital platform—the global authority on small-scale organic vegetable farming.
This resource is a high-quality educational tool that covers the key aspects of optimized farm management—from crop planning to agricultural marketing—while providing access to a community of experts with extensive experience.
Upon completion of the training, participants will have access toconcrete opportunities :
– Full-time positions : Our network of farms—including both Cultive farms and our clients and partners—offers a variety of positions available immediately upon graduation, such as vegetable production technician, cropmanager, or farm manager. These opportunities are part of an active and growing network, offering real prospects for career advancement and gaining experience.
– Setting up a farm : The training program also serves as a practical pathway for those who wish to start their own farm and become farmmanagers. The curriculum directly prepares participants for the practical realities of managing a small-scale farm. As part of its professional development support, Cultive also assists aspiring farmers in setting up their farms: from the initial planning and establishment of the farm through to the first years of production.
Financial assistance may be available depending on your personal circumstances. In addition, job seekers receiving benefits from France Travail may continue to receive their return-to-work allowance (ARE) for the entire duration of the training—subject to confirmation by France Travail.
We’ll guide you through these steps, which are often crucial to making your training project a reality and ensuring it goes smoothly.
For more information, contact us at formation@cultive.co
Hold at least a CAP or BEP diploma; if not, provide proof of 3 years of experience (paid, self-employed, or volunteer work) in a non-agricultural sector, or 1 year of experience in the agricultural sector
Final registration: Admission is confirmed upon receipt of the completed and signed quote
If you would like to inform us of a potential disability or request accommodations related to a disability, please feel free to contact us at formation@cultive.co so that we can work together to assess the feasibility of your training plan.
💡In2025
100% ofparticipants found the topics relevant to their professional activities
90% believe that the interventions met their expectations
90% believe they can apply these concepts and techniques in their daily work
Cassandra
From Sciences Po to vegetable farmer
“Cultive introduced me to a precise and inspiring bio-intensive method that gave me confidence and reassurance in my work. It was a powerful experience to go through a growing season, to see the entire cycle unfold before our eyes, from soil preparation to the sale of the vegetables.”
Maixent
from CEO to vegetable farmer
“At Cultive, I discovered a truly hands-on approach to learning, practicing optimized techniques in an ergonomic environment that’s gentle on the body. I also learned how to plan ahead so I can schedule my growing season with precision.”
Astrid
from a biological engineer to a vegetable farmer
“As an engineer, I was looking to learn a rigorous and organized method that aligned with my values. That’s exactly what Cultive offers: standardized gardens, crop planning, optimized work processes, and farm ergonomics. For me, this is essential to making a decent living from this wonderful profession!”
Melvin
from a self-taught explorer in search of meaning to a market gardener
“I’ve always wanted to do work that’s meaningful, and for me, being a market gardener is first and foremost about providing food. With Cultive, I discovered a rigorous method rooted in agroecology and geared toward marketing, which allows for abundant production on small plots—exactly what I needed to start my farm.”
