Organic asparagus in France: a rarity
2 months of hard work lie ahead for Christian Lesgards. Through the cold, high temperatures, rain, wind or shine, the asparagus must be picked.
Christian Lesgard's product is rare: it is organic. ''As far as I know, I am the only person to produce organic asparagus in the sector. In the Landes, I believe there are only three of us in total'' he says.
He began 15 years ago and moved to organic farming about 10 years ago. ''I liked the idea, but it was my wife in particular who motivated me'' explains Christian Lesgards, ''she works in the health sector and sees ill people. She is convinced of of the dangers of chemical products''.
Christian Lesgards works alone on his farm, la Hountasse in Saubusse (producing organic chickens all year round, and asparagus during the season). 6 local seasonal workers help him for 2 or 3 months to harvest 8-10 tons of asparagus over the 2 ha. ''We have to go everyday. As soon as they pop up, they begin to colour and lose quality. They quickly become unsellable''.
Neither pesticides, herbicides nor chemical fertilisers are used on la Hountasse, yet the beautiful, regular, white, asparagus grows abundantly.
Christian Lesgards production is sold by Maïsadour (organic brand). He also supplies some Amap's (e.g. in Tyrosse) and sells directly from the farm.