The City of Hendaye is strengthening its support for local and sustainable agriculture through the signing of rural leases on the Legarralde estate. This initiative, launched in 2018, aims to preserve agricultural land and encourage the establishment of farms focused on short supply chains and reasoned agriculture.
The agricultural project took shape in May 2018 when SAFER Aquitaine Atlantique announced the sale of the Legarralde estate, comprising nearly 19.5 hectares, with over 11 hectares within Hendaye's territory. The City then expressed its intention to maintain the agricultural vocation of these lands, supported by the Local Public Land Establishment (EPFL) Pays Basque. A land action agreement signed in 2019 allowed for the acquisition and land holding of the site for twenty years, before full ownership returns to the municipality.
Since 2020, several agricultural activities have been established on the site through a provision agreement with SAFER Nouvelle-Aquitaine. These initial installations have validated the agricultural potential of the estate and the relevance of the project led by the local authority.
To consolidate these activities, the Municipal Council on February 25, 2026, approved the early acquisition of part of the agricultural land from EPFL Pays Basque. This transfer now allows the City to grant farm leases to the existing operators, ending the precariousness of temporary agreements and offering the necessary stability for investment and future planning.
The new contracts guarantee a minimum duration of 9 years, with rent regulated by prefectural decree and reviewed annually. Four farmers benefit from these leases:
Laurent LESCOULIÉ, a meat and wood producer, raising pigs and poultry outdoors, established in January 2020 on 5.99 hectares. He produces 13 tons of meat and 300 steres of wood annually, primarily for local individual customers.
Adrien ARRUEBARENA GUERITEAU, a tea producer, established in January 2025 on 23.58 ares, offering tea, candies, ice cream, herbal teas, and tea plants.
Two market gardeners complete this initiative: Edouard STIENNE, established in February 2025 on 1.58 hectares, present at the Saturday market in Sokoburu and offering weekly baskets to local customers; and Anne-Laure CABROL, a market gardener established in January 2022 on 2.77 hectares. The average annual production for the two market gardeners is 10 tons.
Kotte Ecenarro, Mayor, emphasized that these contracts will provide farmers with essential security for their operations and investments. Vincent Alloy, deputy mayor for Transitions, described the Legarralde estate as a concrete example of public land management serving the territory's ecological and food transition. Chantal Kehrig, deputy mayor for Urban Planning, reaffirmed the City's ambition to preserve agricultural spaces and support local job-creating agriculture, while Béatrice Tariol, delegate councilor for food sovereignty, stressed the importance of preserving land for future generations and quality food.
The farmers expressed their satisfaction. Laurent Lescoulié considers land security to be economically and technically indispensable. Adrien Gueriteau noted that these 9-year leases are crucial for applying for aid, subsidies, and bank loans, allowing the project to be established long-term. Edouard Stienne feels reassured and can now plan more effectively for the future.
