The Vaucluse is the leading department producer of cherries in France with about 15,000 tons per year. The season just started and it is already very promising.
Quality will be key despite the capricious weather. As for pests, the drosophila suzukii, this Asia fruit fly, very fond of cherries, is present, but not in catastrophic proportions. “The recent strong winds have been of great help,” explains Isabelle Pèlegrin, operations manager. Nets are also effective against the fly. “It takes about 80,000 € [89,347 USD] per hectare. But the figures demonstrate that it is profitable because it secures the harvest,” explains Jean-Christophe Neyron, president of the promoting association.
The cherry of the Coteaux du Ventoux is in the process of obtaining its PGI (Protected Geographical Indication), a first in this area in France. Since the decree of November 22nd, 2018, of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, approving its specifications, steps are being taken to obtain this PGI at the continental level.
Source: laprovence.com