The apricot season has just begun for the producers of the Produit sur son 31 organization. Unfortunately, the weather conditions of the past weeks have been detrimental for the harvest of the early varieties. “Our producers have very little merchandise. About 50% of the production was lost because of the rain and hail that fell in the region,” explains Etienne Sassé of Produit sur son 31.
“The first apricots are still eagerly anticipated”
The apricot volumes at the beginning of the season are relatively low, but the quality is satisfactory. “Overall, apricots mark the start of the stone fruit season. We are just ending the strawberry season and the first apricots are usually very anticipated. This year, despite the weather difficulties, our producers have supplied us with merchandise of very satisfactory quality. The apricots have a very nice color.”
“Sales are fluid and prices sustained”
As for cherries, there is more of a lack of supply than a poor sales dynamic on the apricot market. “The main problem we are faced with at the moment is the difficulty to obtain merchandise. We should be right in the cherry production peak, but it is complicated to obtain volumes,” explains Etienne. “The Burlat was particularly affected by the weather. For the apricots, just like the cherries, our producers have to sort their harvest in a consistent manner. Sales, on the other hand, are very fluid, with sustained prices.”
“The peach and nectarine season will start next week”
The peach and nectarine season will start as early as next week for the producers of the organization. “The season may not encounter the same problems because peaches and nectarines are slightly more robust fruit. Besides, it is easier to spread out blooming and varieties. We are just hoping the orchards will not be affected by any hailstorm in June.”
“All the seasons beginnings now are very satisfactory”
The organization has just ended the strawberry season which went very well, like for most fruit and vegetables in recent months. “We had a very good strawberry season, which ended on Friday with some very nice weather. The same goes for radishes and beetroots. Generally speaking, all the seasons beginnings now are very satisfactory. The tomato and zucchini volumes sold are relatively substantial for a season start, despite the high prices. The new garlic is very popular. As for cucumbers, we are in search of production more than clients. Only the lettuce has not sold very well during lockdown, when consumers turned more to packaged products. But now, sales volumes are significant again.”
During lockdown, Etienne adds that the number of clients looking for local products in stores increased strongly and direct sales of fruit and vegetables increased tenfold.
About Produit sur son 31
Created by farmers, Produit sur son 31 is an organization under the 1901 law. Its goal is to find the best possible outlet for local productions from Haute-Garonne, Tarn, Lot, Aveyron, Tarn-et-Garonne, Gers, Ariège and Hautes-Pyrénées. Created in 2012, the organization now represents 150 farmers. 95% of the production is sold locally. Besides fruit and vegetables, Produit sur son 31 also offers dried vegetables, grocery products and fresh merchandise such as meat and dairy products.
For more information:
Etienne Sassé
Produit sur son 31
Phone: 07 87 07 43 27
esasse@produitsurson31.fr