Organic farming is a key trend for the future. A growing number of producers from the “Isle of Beauty” are converting their farms to organic practices. In 10 years, the number of organic farms in Corsica has quadrupled. Today, nearly 20,000 hectares on the island are dedicated to it.
In Haute-Corse, the 40-hectare farm of the Monteil family has been harvesting conventionally-grown citrus fruits for 30 years. However, they are currently in a transitional phase towards obtaining the organic label. Anne-Laure Monteil and her father embarked on this adventure 2 years ago.
Their fruits are sold under a transitional name and cost more than conventional fruits but less than organic fruits. Their production, which used to cost 4,000 euros [4,518 USD] per hectare, now costs 7,000 euros [7,907 USD] per hectare. Among the largest expenses, the natural fertilizers represent nearly 40% of the budget. 99% of the fruits produced on the farm will be sold in supermarkets on the continent.
“We are aiming more towards economic balance than profit,” explains Paul Monteil. “If we manage to reach the additional cost brought by the promotion of our products, then we will have won our bet and we will have met the ecological challenge.”
Source: france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr