This Thursday 21 November 2024 in Caen (Calvados), was the day of the presentation of the Stars of Europe in Normandy, a new competition organized by the region and which rewards projects supported by Europe.For this first edition, 85 nominations were presented, of which 21 were selected by the Normandy jury which brought them to light. the eight stars finally awarded. In the research and advancement category, representatives of the institutional, economic, cultural, teaching and research world have chosen to distinguish the “Stimagro” project, led by the Veragrow company and its 25 million employees active in the recycling of organic waste, earthworms, based in Val-de-Reuil (Eure).
Founded in 2019 by Alexandre bocage,Alexandre Foulon and théo Saint-Martin,Veragrow is located in the organic farming center Hauts Prés in Val-de-Reuil and aims in particular to treat organic waste that the French have been obliged to separate as January 1 °. “We feed them to earthworms and collect their excrement. It is indeed vermicompost, the oldest fertilizer in the world”, explains Théo saint-Martin. With their production, the Euroise company has launched a program called Stimagro “to extract and concentrate the active ingredients and add other ingredients to produce biostimulants”.
for plants, seeds and soil
After more than 300 tests carried out in France, Europe, West Africa and Brazil since the beginning of the year, three products are now marketable.“Veraleaf, in foliar application to help the development of the plant.Veraspida, to coat the seeds for better germination. and the latest, authorized from May 2024, Veraterra, to nourish the soil before or after crops”, explains the co-founder.
Three products that can be used by organic farming, but which are also “intended for all farmers through cooperatives and agricultural companies”, he insists. “These are not treatments, but stimulators for all types of plantations. We have also validated that microorganisms return and last over time on sterilized soil. » A way of thinking about agriculture that “offers another outlook to the soil, to the plant and allows practices to evolve”, believes théo Saint-martin.
Although the Veragrow team has more than doubled since the launch of the Stimagro project in 2021, “So this award is vital for us, because it has a European resonance. »
How does the stimagro project contribute to sustainable waste management practices in Europe?
Interview wiht Théo Saint-Martin: Innovating Organic Waste Recycling with Veragrow’s Stimagro Project
Editor: Good afternoon, Théo. Thank you for joining us today. Congratulations on the recognition received at the Stars of Europe event in Normandy for yoru project, Stimagro. Can you tell us what Stimagro is all about?
Théo Saint-Martin: Thank you for having me! Stimagro is an initiative by Veragrow aimed at treating organic waste through a unique process involving earthworms.We collect organic waste that the French public has been required to separate since January 1, and we feed it to earthworms. The output is vermicompost,which is one of the oldest fertilizers in the world. This project is pivotal as it reflects a sustainable approach to waste management.
Editor: That sounds fascinating! You mentioned that you’ve conducted over 300 tests across various regions. What can you share about the results and the products developed through Stimagro?
Théo Saint-Martin: Yes, we have performed extensive trials in France, Europe, West Africa, and Brazil as the beginning of the year. As a result, we have three marketable products: Veraleaf, a foliar submission to boost plant development; Veraspida, which is used to coat seeds for improved germination; and Veraterra, intended to nourish soil before or after cropping.These products are not just limited to organic farming—they’re designed for all farmers through cooperatives and agricultural companies.
Editor: It’s impressive how your products cater to a broad spectrum of farming practices. How do they contribute to sustainable agriculture and soil health?
Théo Saint-Martin: Our products are formulated as biostimulants rather than conventional treatments. They help restore microorganisms in soils, even those that have been sterilized.this helps improve soil health over time and supports plant growth. The idea is to provide a fresh perspective on agriculture that encourages more sustainable practices. We’re not just enhancing crop yields; we’re fostering an ecosystem that benefits the environment.
Editor: speaking of ecosystems, can you discuss the broader implications of the Stimagro project for the waste management and agricultural industries?
théo Saint-Martin: Definitely. The stimagro project is a model for integrating organic waste recycling with agricultural productivity. It emphasizes the importance of reducing waste while concurrently encouraging sustainable farming methods. The recognition we received at the Stars of Europe is significant for us—it provides a European platform to highlight the importance of these practices and possibly influence policy and industry standards across the continent.
Editor: How do you see the future of Veragrow and the Stimagro project evolving in the coming years?
Théo Saint-Martin: The future looks promising. As we continue to grow—our team has doubled as we launched Stimagro—we aim to expand our product line and enhance the effectiveness of our solutions. We’re committed to innovating and scaling our processes, ensuring that we can support a larger number of farmers while advocating for sustainable and responsible farming practices. The European recognition we’ve received will certainly help us achieve these ambitions.
Editor: For our readers who might potentially be interested in either starting their own sustainable practices or investing in such initiatives, what practical advice would you offer?
Théo Saint-Martin: I would encourage readers to educate themselves about organic waste management and the benefits of biostimulants. Start small by implementing sustainable practices in your own gardening or farming activities—utilize composting methods and explore biostimulants to improve plant health. For those considering investment, look for projects that not only promise returns but also contribute positively to the environment and community. By doing so, you’re supporting a sustainable future not only for agriculture but for the earth as a whole.
Editor: Thank you, Théo, for this insightful discussion. Your work at Veragrow and the Stimagro project is truly paving the way for a more sustainable agricultural future. We look forward to seeing more of your contributions!
Théo Saint-Martin: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure to share our vision.