Alpine Pasture Farmers
Alpine Herders and Pastoral Support
Over the centuries, herders have shaped the valley’s landscapes, developed practices suited to the region, and contributed to the preservation of biodiversity that is now widely recognized.
However, maintaining a dynamic, high-quality pastoral system requires significant and ongoing investment. The renovation or construction of shepherd’s huts, solar panel installations, improvements to access roads to the alpine pastures, water supply for the herds, brush clearing, fencing, holding pens, and herd protection systems are all essential to the operation of pastoral farms.
Issues related to visitor traffic on the alpine pastures are also playing an increasingly important role in the work of herders. The growing presence of outdoor activities now makes it necessary to strengthen awareness-raising efforts to promote better coexistence between tourism, sports, and pastoral activities.
Aware of these new challenges, local governments assist alpine farmers with investments related to agricultural production and support awareness-raising and training initiatives on the alpine pastures. These efforts directly contribute to the preservation of local subsistence agriculture and the vitality of the region.
The Territorial Pastoral Plan (PPT)
To carry out these projects, municipalities, livestock farmers, pastoral land associations, and pastoral groups can receive funding from the Department, the Region, and the European Union through the Territorial Pastoral Plan (PPT), a program dedicated to enhancing pastoral areas and supporting local stakeholders.
The Pays du Mont-Blanc Community of Communes (CCPMB) implements this program on behalf of the CCPMB and the CCVCMB, in partnership with all local authorities and pastoral stakeholders in the region. In collaboration with the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region, this five-year action program—with financial support from the Region, the European Union (EAFRD), and the Haute-Savoie Departmental Council—helps preserve pastoral areas facing numerous challenges: climate change, predation, and balancing land uses.
To learn more about the PPT, please consult the PPT 2023–2028 brochure
Good to Know— Pastoral LandAssociations (AFP) and the SICA du Pays du Mont-Blanc are eligible for the PPT, unlike private individuals.
For any procedures or technical and financial assistance regarding alpine pastures
please contact the Pays du Mont-Blanc Community of Communes (CCPMB)
If you need additional information, or as a first point of contact, you can also reach out to the CCVCMB’s Agropastoralism and Forests Specialist: Antoine Boisset – antoine.boisset@ccvcmb.fr
Other Aid and Grants
Other organizations also support livestock farmers and professional associations. The Société d’Économie Alpestre de Haute-Savoie (Haute-Savoie Alpine Economy Society) is particularly involved in monitoring pastoral improvement projects, establishing and managing Pastoral Land Associations, and providing technical support to Pastoral Groups.
Contact: SEA