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Here at Domaine du Merchien we haven’t used pesticides or herbicides for twenty years! This year after pressure from our bigger customers as they need to see a certificate, we have full Biological status on our vines and wines. This took us four years to obtain AB certificate (one year extra than it should have done due to us commencing half way through a year heyho) and we pay for this!! Our charge to be AB is 680€ a year!! Our beer is made from organic malt but because it will cost us again to have AB status we can’t afford it . That 680€ is for not killing the flora and fauna; for protecting the environment; for keeping hedgerows and our little lake free from chemicals. We have counted over 8 different types of wild orchids in our vines, we have a very rare butterfly in one of our fields (location secret!!) and have wildlife in abundance, even birds nesting in the vines , YET we pay for this and yet others who throw on the chemical and pesticides pay nothing; something is wrong somewhere!!! So I take you up on advertising AB farmers and wine and beer makers , if we can only get more to support AB farmers. It is great to see so many groups like yours, giving information and offering advice which is so accessible these days with the advent of the internet, a far cry from 21 years ago when we arrived in this beautiful part of the world. From that beginning we had many expat customers but as time has gone on it is quite ironic with the vastly increased numbers of expats living here now, that the majority of our customers are French! So it would be very nice of you to advertise us a little, to make us known a little more. On a personal note I think you deserve a very BIG pat on the back! The first thing me and David do in the morning is to read your bit on FaceBook. (It is only since you have been on FB that we have read TAG, I always thought it was just for Tarn et Garonners!!) We have always rescued our Newfoundland dogs and feel it is the only responsible way to go , so we take our hats off to you for the work you do on behalf of the animal world. With kind regards Sarah et David MEAKIN Domaine du Merchien Biere du Quercy Christmas Turkey Grower !!!
Val says: TAG stands for "Tarn, Aveyron & Tarn & Garonne", but we welcome readers and contributors from all over the world. We are supporters of organic produce and environmental protection, as well as animal justice. Many of our friends over the years have enjoyed Sarah and David's wine and beer (and indeed enjoyed helping with the recolte) and the last turkey we had here was a Merchien raised bird. So get along to the market on Sunday and see the wares on offer.
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