Greenhouses are in the spotlight in France. From 23 to 26 May, the national tomato and cucumber association Tomates & Concombres de France organizes the open greenhouse days. According to the association, events like this are urgently needed. “Most of the French have never been in a greenhouse and greenhouses are still largely unknown among the public. Meanwhile, French consumers have many questions about tomato and cucumber production.”
“Growers realize that most consumers have no concept of how tomatoes and cucumbers are produced. They feel the urge to be transparent about their activities. Consumers wonder about pesticide and water use and need to be ensured that what they eat is part of a healthy eating pattern. Besides, consumers often don’t know much about the different tomato varieties. During the open greenhouse days, we teach them how varieties differ in colour, size and taste.”
The first day of Les Serres Ouvertes was a great success. “Among other guests, we mainly received school pupils between the ages of 7 and 12.” This year the event will take place for the third time. “Over the past 20 years there have been several local initiatives, but this is the first event that has been organised on a national level.”
For more information:
Tomates & Concombres de France