REVOLUTIONISING AGRICULTURE ONE ELECTRIC TRACTOR AT A TIME
The concept behind SWARM is simple yet revolutionary. By using multiple light electric vehicles instead of a single heavy tractor, the project aims to minimise soil damage and carbon emissions.
In the heart of Clermont-Ferrand, France, nestled amidst beautiful UNESCO-protected mountains, Laure Prevault-Osmani and her husband, Alexandre, are leading a quiet revolution in agriculture through their company, Sabi Agri. The SWARM project, one of their latest ventures, promises to transform how food is produced worldwide by introducing innovative, eco-friendly agricultural machinery.
Laure, the CEO of Sabi Agri, brings a unique blend of skills and experiences to the table. Before joining forces with her husband, Laure was a lawyer specialising in environmental, criminal, and international law. “My work was always about impacting lives, giving people a voice,” she shares. This passion for impact has seamlessly transitioned into her current role, where she continues to drive significant change but now through the lens of sustainable agriculture.
“Farming is not just an idea; it’s a way of living,”
The SWARM project began with Alexandre’s firsthand experience as a farmer. He recognised the inadequacy of traditional farming equipment in meeting the needs of modern, sustainable agriculture. Combining his background in farming and mechanical engineering, he and Laure developed the first electric tractor. “Farming is not just an idea; it’s a way of living,” says Laure, highlighting the deep personal connection that fuels their innovation.
The concept behind SWARM is simple yet revolutionary. By using multiple light electric vehicles instead of a single heavy tractor, the project aims to minimise soil damage and carbon emissions. “Instead of one heavy thermal tractor, you can have three, four, or five light electric vehicles,” Laure explains. This not only preserves soil health but also allows for more efficient farming practices. One farmer can operate up to five vehicles simultaneously, drastically improving productivity.
The journey to bring SWARM to life has not been without its challenges. Initial attempts to gain traction were met with scepticism, but perseverance paid off. Laure recalls the early days when Alexandre would personally reach out to other farmers to test their electric tractor. “We made a very large tour of different French farms. Farmers opened their doors to us, and we gathered invaluable feedback,” she says. This grassroots approach helped them refine their product and build a supportive community around their vision.
Winning the EIC Accelerator grant marked a significant milestone for Sabi Agri, propelling the SWARM project into its next phase. “The EIC Accelerator is not just about R&D; it’s about bringing a product to market,” Laure notes. The scale and ambition of the project have accelerated their growth, pushing them to expand their team and infrastructure rapidly. However, Laure acknowledges that this rapid pace also brings its own set of challenges.
“Two years is very short. Sometimes we wish we could move faster, but we have to balance ambition with realistic timelines.”
The impact of SWARM is already being felt in the agricultural community. By offering a viable alternative to traditional heavy machinery, the project is paving the way for more sustainable farming practices. “Our goal is to replace all thermal tractors in the world eventually,” Laure says with a smile. In the short term, they aim to lead the market in agroecological equipment, inspiring others to follow suit. “We want to transform machines to transform practices,” she emphasises.
Laure’s journey from lawyer to CEO of an innovative agri-tech company is a testament to her commitment to making a difference. Her passion for sustainable agriculture is matched only by her dedication to gender equality and inclusivity within the company. “Entrepreneurship opens so many new worlds,” she reflects.
“I’m incredibly happy with this journey. It’s about impacting lives on different levels, from farmers to employees.”
As the SWARM project continues to advance, Laure and Alexandre are driven by their mission to revolutionise agriculture. With projects like SWARM leading the way, they are not only shaping the future of farming but also demonstrating the power of perseverance, innovation, and community in driving meaningful change.
