Terre 2 Cultures (T2C) plays a pivotal role in bridging two significant gaps. On one hand, it champions the cause of marginalized refugees, providing them with opportunities to integrate into French society. On the other, it addresses a pressing concern in the agricultural sector: the dwindling workforce in rural areas experiencing depopulation.
By offering employment in agriculture, T2C ensures refugees not only find work but also purpose and community. Every individual under T2C’s umbrella benefits from a holistic approach that combines social support, tailored accommodation, and meaningful employment. This positions T2C uniquely, not just as an association but as an influential economic and social catalyst, actively rejuvenating and developing rural areas.
Terre 2 Cultures (T2C) helps new arrivals, particularly refugees, to integrate into France through employment in agriculture. To do this, T2C proposes to put farmers and agri-food businesses in touch with refugees who have expressed a genuine desire to work in this field.
The team regularly visits each site to monitor the people supported, the needs of the farmers and the local network of associations and volunteers. T2C implements actions that help to remove the obstacles to the inclusion of these people in French society.
To achieve this, T2C is developing 5 areas of action to ensure successful integration in the areas concerned:
7 employees, forming a multidisciplinary and multicultural team, have gradually been recruited to strengthen the support provided to these people. Country of origin of the migrant workers: Afghanistan, Congo, Tibet, Ukraine.
The agricultural sector in France has historically been a beacon of solidarity, actively supporting migrants. With over a century of experience with foreign populations, it presents unique advantages not found in other professional domains. These advantages include a deep-rooted familiarity with non-French speakers and a tried-and-tested approach to training and integration. Farmers, in particular, exhibit patience and understanding, recognizing that newcomers, whether foreign or not, typically require a mere two-week period for effective integration.
Furthermore, it’s crucial to understand the diverse backgrounds of refugees. For instance, while the early waves of refugees from conflict zones often comprise the elite, such as engineers and doctors, there’s also a significant influx from rural backgrounds like the Pachtouns and Afghans. These individuals, with their agricultural roots and hands-on experience gained during their journey to France, bring invaluable expertise to the table.
The COVID pandemic led to campaigns emphasizing the importance of agriculture, suggesting that anyone with the physical capability could contribute. However, the reality underscores the necessity of specific skills and experiences, making agriculture a positive and sought-after domain. Many refugees, rather than seeking the hustle and bustle of city life, yearn for tranquility. Engaging with nature, for them, is not just employment but a therapeutic process, allowing them to connect, ground themselves, and recalibrate both spatially and temporally.
TERRE 2 CULTURES has garnered support and funding from a few key stakeholders, ensuring the successful implementation of its initiatives. Collaborations have been established with DIAN, DIAIR, and DETS (deconcentrated local authorities of the government).
TERRE 2 CULTURES employs a detailed inclusion process tailored to ensure the successful integration of refugees into the agricultural sector.
The process begins with a systematic approach where in-depth interviews are conducted with potential candidates. These interviews aim to match refugees with farmers based on their skills, profiles, and employment expectations. Some refugees come with specialized skills, while others seek short-term employment for immediate financial relief.
Once matched, the refugee signs a standard employment contract. Simultaneously, housing arrangements are made. These range from social housing to accommodations provided directly by the employer. In certain instances, the association steps in to rent properties, which are then sub-leased to refugees. This is particularly essential in regions with far-right inclinations, ensuring safety and acceptance for the refugees.
Employment success is evident, with 10% of the interviewed refugees securing jobs through this initiative. Beyond mere employment, the association offers continuous support. This includes a dedicated WhatsApp group facilitating communication with the entire team. Monthly on-site visits are conducted to ensure the well-being and integration of the refugees. Additionally, administrative assistance, healthcare access, cultural excursions, nature trips, heritage explorations, and recreational activities are provided, further enhancing the integration experience.
The initiatives of TERRE 2 CULTURES have transformed the lives of many refugees, offering them not just employment but a chance at a renewed life. An exemplar case is that of Yacine, a 23-year-old who, when he first arrived, was grappling with PTSD and language barriers. His initial shyness and reticence were evident, but with the right support and guidance, his journey saw a remarkable transformation. Within a year, he grew confident, learned French, and showcased a buoyant personality. Today, he has been a salaried member of the association for over four years. Such stories underscore the profound impact on work inclusion that the organization has achieved, turning around lives and enabling refugees to contribute meaningfully to the French agricultural sector.
The essence of work inclusion is not just about providing employment but ensuring that individuals are integrated into their roles, allowing them to thrive and contribute effectively. The initiatives of TERRE 2 CULTURES stand as a testament to the profound impact on work inclusion. The story of Yacine is emblematic of this impact. Once a young man grappling with the challenges of PTSD and language barriers, he transformed into a confident individual, mastering the French language and actively contributing to his workplace. His journey from an introverted individual to a salaried member of the association for over four years showcases the transformative power of inclusive work environments. But Yacine’s story is not an isolated one. The association’s efforts in matching refugees with suitable roles, providing continuous support, and ensuring their well-being have resulted in genuine work inclusion, where refugees are not just employees but valued members of their respective organizations and communities.
In addition to employment, the initiatives also focus on aspects of social integration. Refugees, who initially might be viewed as newcomers, gradually become more involved in local communities. Yacine’s experience provides an example: aside from his job, he participated in sports, took French lessons, and practiced boxing. His relationship with the co-founder and interactions with volunteers show the social ties he developed. The program aims to go beyond just work; it emphasizes familiarizing refugees with local customs and building relationships. The association supports this with consistent guidance, cultural excursions, and leisure activities, helping refugees to not only work but also settle and integrate into the local community.
One significant challenge was the varied backgrounds of refugees. While some need intensive support initially due to traumas faced, others have different needs. The association addressed this through personalized support, ensuring that each refugee’s unique journey was recognized and catered to.
When dealing with migrants, the training requirements differ based on the role. For roles like owners or foremen, there’s a pronounced need for social work training. This is essential to understand the unique challenges and backgrounds that migrants come from. Additionally, having peer helpers, especially refugees who have traversed similar journeys, can be invaluable. These peer helpers provide insights, share experiences, and offer guidance in a manner that resonates deeply with new migrants. Moreover, given the agricultural focus of the association, imparting agricultural knowledge is paramount. This ensures that migrants, irrespective of their role, have a foundational understanding of the sector, its practices, and its expectations.
Farmers, who are at the frontline of this initiative, often express a preference to conduct training themselves. They believe that the nuances and specificities of each migrant’s background require a tailored approach, best delivered personally. However, there are gaps identified in the training modules.
There’s a need for training in areas like operating tractors, mechanics, and managing phytosanitary products. One challenge is the literacy levels, as many migrants come from backgrounds where formal education was limited or non-existent. Thus, the training modules need to be intuitive, hands-on, and accommodating of these literacy challenges.
For national workers collaborating with migrants, the training needs are different. The primary focus is on fostering understanding, promoting collaboration, and ensuring seamless communication.
Given the diverse backgrounds migrants come from, national workers are trained to be culturally sensitive, patient, and accommodating. Workshops on team dynamics, conflict resolution, and effective communication are essential.
Additionally, understanding the broader goals of the initiative, the challenges migrants have faced, and the value they bring to the table helps national workers see beyond just the work and appreciate the larger social impact.
One of the pivotal pieces of advice from the interviewees is to place unwavering trust in the farmers. These agricultural experts have a longstanding history of welcoming and integrating newcomers, leveraging their experience and insights to ensure smooth transitions. It’s their hands-on approach and deep understanding of the field that makes them invaluable in this initiative.
Furthermore, it’s essential to recognize that refugees are not children. They come with a wealth of experiences, skills, and resilience. Offering only training sessions, particularly if they come across as patronizing, can be counterproductive. It’s vital to avoid a colonialist approach to education and instead recognize the inherent capabilities of these individuals. Every refugee is integrable and employable, and it’s crucial to approach them with respect, dignity, and an understanding of their potential.
MILIMAT is a 2-year project funded by the EU Erasmus+ Programme that focuses on integrating migrants into multicultural agricultural teams. The project aims to develop several training resources for farmers and migrant workers in agriculture, with the goal of promoting fair labor relations and encouraging commitment to European labor rights. MILIMAT is led by the CIA Agricoltori Italiani Umbria (Italian Farmers’ Confederation of Umbria).
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Migrants Labour Insertion in Multicultural Agricultural Teams