The Thévoz family has been operating the Arbothévoz agricultural estate in Russy, not far from Belmont-Broye, since 2013. Ivan, Emmanuel and their family have opted for a mixed model of arboriculture and soil cultivation, notably by practicing agroforestry, or the art of associating crops and trees. This makes it possible to combat droughts and contribute to soil renewal.
Alongside their daily activities, they also offer advice on planting fruit trees and lessons in fruit pruning and grafting, as experts in the field.
At Arbothévoz, we notably find sweet potatoes, salads, lentils, prunes and rhubarb. The arboThévoz estate cultivates its land under the requirements of the Bio Suisse label.

“If we have turned to this production system, it is above all to rediscover the life of our nourishing soil and that of our plants.
Since the end of the Second World War, “modern” agriculture has turned to a new production approach, that of plant chemotherapy using insecticides, fungal treatments, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers! This agriculture eventually depleted the soil, destroying life and wildlife.
We are active and working in order to give back to the earth and its plants, the faculties to nourish themselves and to fight their problems with natural remedies. Taking care of the land and its plants is the priority goal of our farm.”

Ivan explains that one of his daily motivations stems from the fact that they do “the most beautiful job in the world” by being in contact with nature every day. The local dimension of his work is also dear to him, and he therefore values being part of the Bouteka community.
Like Bouteka, he favors organic growth of his activities, one step at a time. The message he wishes to convey to the community of Boutekiers and Boutekières is as follows:
“Eating in season is a habit that we must all learn”.