Roussillon La Tour brings together 24 French growers within a 30km radius of the commune of Millas. The 100% organic cooperative is looking ahead to 2023, with a diversification into citrus fruit, peaches and nectarines, water management, as well as a Biocoop membership.
First 100% organic cooperative in the Pyrénées-Orientales department, Roussillon La Tour has an annual production potential of 2,500 to 3,000 t, two-thirds of which are peaches and nectarines.
Peaches and nectarines, “a satisfactory year in terms of volumes”
Despite a less than favorable weather forecast and ongoing water restrictions in the region, the stressful start to the campaign has now given way to some relief. “Producers did not know if they would be able to irrigate normally after mid-May. We had volumes on the trees, but we did not know how the harvest was going to go,” explains Yannick Chevrier, director of the cooperative. During the first months of the campaign, “the trees suffered from the drought, which had an impact on the size of our fruits. Fortunately, the rainfall last month brought some relief.” In the end, it will be a satisfactory year in terms of volumes, according to Yannick, who is waiting for the end of the campaign for a final assessment.
The problem of water shortage is a cause for concern for the coming years. “We have to hope that there will be heavy rains in the autumn and winter seasons. Otherwise, we will find ourselves in the same situation. There is a lack of long-term vision, which raises a lot of questions, especially in terms of water management, as many factors need to be taken into account when sharing the resource: agricultural use, environmental use, drinking water…”
Promising diversification into citrus fruit
A few years ago, the stone fruit specialist decided to diversify into apples, figs, persimmons and citrus fruit. Clementine orchards were planted in 2020, which now cover approximately 15 hectares. “We have two varieties that have adapted well to our land.” The cooperative has observed “good results, both in terms of size and taste, with a good sugar/acid balance.” But “we are still in the testing phase, and progress will depend heavily on water availability,” warns the manager. “That is the only limiting factor at the moment, as irrigation for citrus fruit has to take place all year round!” This citrus project benefits from technical support “because we are still new to this crop in the region, so we need to share knowledge,” says Isabelle.
Besides fruit, Roussillon La Tour also offers cabbage, fennel and artichokes. The cooperative runs its own vegetable growing operation, which has been in place since the cooperative turned organic.
Roussillon La Tour becomes a Biocoop member in 2023
Since the start of this year, Roussillon La Tour has been a Biocoop member, becoming the 20th cooperative of organic producers to join the Groupement Paysan.ne.es Associé.e.s. "We have been working on this for some time, but we had been delayed because of the Covid pandemic,” explains Isabelle. It is a “logical next step”, since Roussillon La Tour had already been supplying the specialist network for several years, and is perfectly in line with the 100% organic strategy. According to Isabelle, organic is above all a matter of conviction. “We are aware of the current difficulties, but both the team and the producers still believe in it. We are motivated and we continue to work in this direction daily.” Like all organic players, Yannick and Isabelle would like to see greater support from the French public authorities.
For more information:
Coopérative Roussillon - La Tour
Km 1 Route de Thuir
66170 Millas (Pyrénées-Orientales)
Phone: 04 68 57 11 11
[email protected]
www.cooplatour.fr
