Problem addressed

A spell in prison deeply undermines a person’s confidence and will to live. Regaining one’s place within a community, breaking free from the routine of prison life, and taking responsibility for oneself once again are all challenges that must be anticipated. Discovering or rediscovering one’s life plan, and returning to the outside world and its rules of social life, are key challenges of reintegration for which prisoners nearing the end of their sentences are still far too ill-prepared.

Innovative solution

La Ferme de Moyembrie is unique in that it takes in people who are still in custody but nearing the end of their sentences, with a view to facilitating their return to society. The residents are exclusively men. The project is structured around three key areas:

> work: market gardening and livestock farming, carried out in accordance with the principles of organic farming, with six AMAPs as clients.

> accommodation: each prisoner has their own accommodation on the farm and pays a monthly rent. They are not permitted to leave the farm’s 20-hectare grounds without being accompanied by a supervisor or a volunteer coordinator.

> Support: assistance with social and administrative issues, as well as support in finding employment and new accommodation upon completion of the programme.

Key results and benefits

Men and women

25 workers on a work integration programme, including 20 residents on external placements who are accommodated at the farm.
8 paid supervisors, 2 night watchmen and around 40 volunteers committed to the Farm and to helping the residents achieve their life goals.
500 people have been supported since 2000. 150 applications for admission are received from prisoners each year, and 50 people are admitted annually.

The residents’ journey

An average stay of 9 months on the farm: a period that allows residents to settle back into life after prison and prepare for the future, and which is deliberately limited to ensure it remains a stepping stone to leaving the programme.
On average, 70 per cent of residents receive visits or visit their loved ones during temporary leave, thereby gradually preparing for their future after leaving the farm.
60 per cent of leavers are actively engaged in employment: three months after leaving the farm, they are in work, on a training course, living in an Emmaus community or retired. All leave with a housing or accommodation solution.

Agricultural production

140 baskets of vegetables distributed to 6 AMAPs every week.
40 goats for milk production and the making of cheese and yoghurt.
200 laying hens.

The economic model

25 per cent of the budget is covered by the farm’s own resources.
€35 per day: a work placement outside the Ferme de Moyembrie costs the prison service a third of the cost of a prison place.