In the South Channel, French and Dutch businessmen are investing 40 million euros in the construction of a gigantic greenhouse the size of 17 hectares, in which tomatoes are to be grown above ground. And there will be other projects coming to Isigny le Buat, as well as near Caen.
This is a large-scale project, which began three weeks ago, and should end mid-August. At the end, a huge building of 170,000 m2 will accommodate tomato plants as far as the eye can see; intensive agriculture which claims "a greenhouse as big as 24 football pitches."
There already is a model near Toulouse. Fruits grown above ground are guaranteed to be without pesticides, and bumblebees will be released to ensure pollination.
There’s no way around tomatoes from Normandy in the upcoming years, as they increase French production to 500 000 tons. The main varieties are Breton, Dutch and Norman, and the budget is around 40 million euros.
110 people are estimated to be hired by these "Maraîchers du Mont” (market gardeners) in the fall.
Source: FranceInfo