Given the success of the first 2 editions, the International Asparagus Day will be held again this year in Angers on October 29th and 30th at the Parc des Expositions. This 2019 edition will gather 100 exhibitors and more than 2,000 visitors are expected from 30 different nationalities. Christian Befve, global asparagus expert, reveals the main theme of this 3rd edition. “Biocontrol, the use of micro-organisms and robotics are themes that will be very present. Producing more naturally to satisfy the consumer and reducing the burden on the producer will be major axes of this new edition that I invite you to discover for yourselves.”
The asparagus sector: some major changes in recent years
“Before 2010, the sector expanded with new producing countries like Peru and China. In 10 years, production went from 200,000 ha to 300,000 ha. This rapid evolution led to an overproduction crisis. Selling prices dropped along with cultivated areas to 210,000 ha. With 260,000 ha today, we know that the right balance for the sector is at 280,000 ha. Regarding consumption trends, some changes were observed over the past few years, in line with the general trends for food products: more proximity, more freshness and a relocalization dynamic. This is reflected in particular by a high appreciation for quality. France is a driving force on the subject and varietal innovation offers a partial solution to these demands,” explains Christina Befve.
The challenges for the asparagus sector
“The issues of labor and mechanization are the main challenges for the asparagus sector, in every country. In this sector, labor is indeed scarce, expensive and intensive. Mechanization provides an answer, as it alleviates the working conditions and reduces production costs. Robotics is not yet profitable for the farms, but research and development are going in the right direction and will become a tool for the sustainability of farms in the coming years, as in the agricultural sector in general. Finally, the asparagus is a rare product, with a short season and high prices, which makes it a product with a high added value. Competition is also strong between the different producing countries. The challenge here lies in the communication between the producing countries and about the product, with the need to promote their know-how to the consumer.”
Goal of the International Asparagus Days
“The goal of the International Asparagus Days is to gather all the worldwide techniques servicing the asparagus industry. More importantly, the event is an exchange opportunity for the different actors to get to know each other better and create a durable relation in order to work together towards a more balanced sector and avoid the production shocks that we have experienced in the past,” explains Christian Befve.
Program
The International Asparagus Days will play on diversity with first an exhibition fair, at the Parc des Expositions of Angers, which will benefit from the rich expertise of SIVAL and MACFRUT. It will gather actors from the sector, conferences with experts and indoor demonstrations for two days. Additionally, there will be field visits near Angers and Bordeaux, on specific topics, at the heart of companies known for their technique in terms of production and their innovation skills.
Symposia – October 29th-30th: https://www.asparagusdays.com/fr/programma/colloques_29_et_30_octobre
For more information:
Anaelle Marie
L’Agence Vache
Phone: +33 (0) 6 83 37 21 11
anaelle.marie@agencefls.fr
www.asparagusdays.com