Tom Rial
Une Ferme du Perche
Tom Rial has known the Perche region since childhood, as his parents own a residence there.
After several years in the field of communications, his desire to work outdoors, coupled with a need for purpose and commitment, naturally led him to pursue a project in organic market gardening.
He became familiar with the methodologies developed by Jean-Martin Fortier, particularly his approach to bio-intensive micro-farming. In 2018, Tom and his father entered into a partnership with the Canadian specialist to found Une Ferme du Perche.
The farm spans just one hectare, with a planting density three times higher than that of traditional farms.
Every aspect of the operation is geared toward efficiency: no tractors, standardized plot sizes, an intentional focus away from storage crops.…
Today, Une Ferme du Perche offers a diverse range of 50 different vegetables and 150 varieties, including baby fennel, colorful carrots, aromatic herbs, radishes, leafy greens…
The produce is available locally at markets and featured on the tables of prestigious restaurants—such as La Halle aux grains, led by the three-Michelin-starred chef Michel Bras. It was through the restaurant’s sous-chef, Florian Corda-Piconet —formerly of Ze Kitchen Galerie and Kitchen Ter(re)— that Tom Rial met William Ledeuil.
The chef visited the farm soon thereafter. The collaboration was a natural fit: product excellence, respect for agricultural craftsmanship, biodiversity, and environmental stewardship.
Tom Rial remains humble about his profession and its challenges —always passionate and committed, yet eager to push boundaries.