French cucumber production is increasing. All production has begun in the Northern half of France. Some production has begun in the Southern half. The Minister of Agriculture’s forecast services have announced a slight +3% increase in surface compared to 2014, within the 5 year average. Heated greenhouse acreage is globally stable (390 ha, +2%/2014) but acreage in unheated greenhouses (110 ha, +3%) and open air (62 ha, +5%) has increased. Production is estimated this year at 125,500 tons (+5%/2014).
Meanwhile, tomato volume in France reaches 250 tons/day in Provence and 400 tons/day in Brittany in week 12. Greenhouse potential has been declared stable on a national level, despite a -6%/2014 decrease in surface in the PACA region and a +6% increase in the South West. There are also some small developments in Brittany with greenhouses expanding. Some varieties are expected to increase, notably vine and heritage tomatoes (Black Krim, Pineapple, Green Zebra…). Potential for round tomatoes will be stable at best. Beef and long tomatoes are expected to decrease. According to predictions from the Ministry of Agriculture, greenhouse production should be close to that of the last season (565,000 tons, +1%/2014).