Consumption, cultivation techniques and energy. As the endive season is about to begin, Pierre Varlet, director of the Association of French Endive Producers (APEF), discusses the sector’s work and the change of presidency.
2023: weed control, woolly adelgid, energy...
“These are the three subjects we will focus on in the coming months,” explains Pierre Varlet. We will continue to work on the problems encountered by producers, in order to improve cultivation practices and ensure the survival of French endive production. With the announced disappearance of Benfluralin in April 2024, endive growers will have to deal with the withdrawal of another new active ingredient that is essential for weed control. The presence of Laniger aphids, “more or less strong depending on the year,” and the energy issue that has been affecting the sector since 2022, will also add pressure to endive production. APEF “remains very vigilant” on this subject, and would like to see “a possible downwards renegotiation of contracts, as well as the maintenance of the electricity cushion beyond December 31st, 2023.” The scheme is “not entirely satisfactory, but it does provide some relief for producers.”
APEF continues its communication campaign
APEF wants to step up its communication with consumers, especially regarding “the practicality of the vegetable”, with recipe ideas that will be promoted by a chef on social networks over the coming weeks. The association also wants to act in the long term. “We want to think about communication programs for the next few years, define a target and adapt our resources.”
Right: APEF booth at Terres de Jim
APEF also took part in the latest Terres de Jim event, which took place over the weekend and attracted approximately 70,000 visitors in 3 days. It was an opportunity to exchange views with the general public, raise awareness among elected representatives and decision-makers, as well as “to exchange views with our members and take stock of their expectations and concerns.”
APEF presented French Minister of Agriculture Marc Fesneau with an endive platter at Terres de Jim / © APEF
2023: “We hope that endives will regain the place they deserve”
As “the 4th most consumed vegetable in France”, the French endive sector has high hopes for the new campaign. “Producers have started harvesting and the endive supply will be growing steadily over the next few weeks.” The very warm temperatures in recent days have not encouraged consumption much, but “the return to production by operators is causing a tight market from time to time. We hope that, with the help of promotional actions in supermarkets, our vegetable will soon regain the place it deserves.”
Philippe Bréhon elected new president of APEF
On the 31st of August 2023, the APEF Board of Directors met to renew the association's administrative members. After 12 years at the head of APEF, Catherine Decourcelle did not wish to stand for re-election, leaving “a station with no financial problems, with a fully renovated and operational work tool, and above all, with research projects of paramount importance to our sector.” The new board, elected unanimously, is now made up of : chairman Philippe Bréhon, vice-chairman Jean Michel Delannoy, treasurer Benoit Coustenoble and secretary Hervé Persyn.
Right: Philippe Bréhon / © APEF
At 47 years old, Philippe Bréhon produces endives on a family farm in the Hauts-de-France region near Béthune. He was already representing the sector on technical issues (energy contracts, labor...). He is also co-president of UDE (Union of Endive Producers) and director of Légumes de France. “I want to continue federating the sector around APEF on subjects such as supply knowledge, communication in support of consumption and experimentation to meet the challenges to maintain production potential and competitiveness.”
For more information:
Pierre Varlet (director)
APEF
2, rue des Fleurs
62000 Arras
Phone: 03 21 07 89 89
contact@endive.fr
endive.fr