Despite a "false start" for the white asparagus season in southwestern France due to poor weather conditions, volumes arrived in time for the Easter weekend. "The campaign started relatively early since we harvested the first asparagus around mid-February, a week earlier than last year," explains Lucie Gemain, head of fresh vegetables and new crops at Maïsadour. "But as soon as growers started picking the asparagus, the weather conditions deteriorated. We had over 400 mm of rain in the area, which made harvesting particularly difficult. As a result, harvesting was very slow for more than three weeks. We had already experienced this phenomenon last year and we relived it again this year."
Aerial view - EARL Candate 2021
Good organization and good weather to boost volumes at the right time
Fortunately, the weather improved 10 days before Easter, allowing volumes to increase. "Production increased well before Easter, so we had the quantities to satisfy our clients despite our initial fears, Easter being positioned very early in the calendar this year. Every effort was made in the field to meet the demand during this pivotal period. We encouraged all our growers to form the mounds early and position their plastic sheeting quickly in order to warm up the mounds as much as possible. Everyone worked well and harvested at the same time so we obtained some very interesting volumes, which really showed the strength and determination of the group."
Difficult forecast
Since Easter, heavy rains have once again been falling on the plots, making harvest forecasts difficult. "Between 40 and 80 mm of water fell on the plots again last weekend and temperatures reached 25°C during the last few days. These extremely variable weather conditions make it very difficult to have a clear view of the rest of the season. We take it one day at a time. If all goes well, the campaign should finish at the end of May/beginning of June."
A recruitment campaign to stabilize production
Today, Maïsadour has 30 growers on 310 hectares, with a production target of 1,500 tons. These figures are identical to last year's, and the group intends to stabilize them over the next 10 years. "We are carrying out a recruitment campaign which is already yielding its fruit. Our objective this year was to communicate more widely to broaden our perspective. As a result, we have had a number of calls from mixed-crop growers in the Landes who are interested in starting or restarting asparagus production. They are taking the time to rediscover this crop, whose techniques have evolved considerably over the last 15 years. This campaign is an opportunity to show them all the advances that have been made in the sector, with harvesting tools that make harvesting less arduous. Despite these technical developments, asparagus cultivation remains a demanding crop, and each project requires careful thought, since it involves making a commitment over a ten-year period. We therefore take the time to support each grower in building their project."
For more information:
Lucie Gemain
Maïsadour
l.gemain@maisadour.com