The National Garlic Trade Association, ANIAIL, has issued its first forecasts for the French garlic harvest. In the face of international competition, it continues its efforts to raise the profile of the sector by focusing on quality, diversity, and collective commitment.
© ANIAIL
A harvest that looks "positive" overall
The new garlic season kicked off mid-May with the harvesting of the new garlic. According to ANIAIL, "the harvest looks positive overall. Harvesting of white garlic is now complete. Storage conditions are good, and sizes are mostly medium to large. For pink garlic, volumes are down, as a direct result of several storms and hailstorms, but quality seems to have been maintained despite these climatic hazards. For purple garlic, the general conditions are satisfactory, sizes are available, and coloring is good, although slightly less marked than last year." A fuller report will be available at the end of July.
3,500 hectares, including 600 hectares of organic farming
"With over 3,500 hectares planted with garlic for consumption, of which almost 600 hectares are organically farmed, and around 600 hectares devoted to seed, the sector has almost 3,000 growers throughout France, with a high concentration in the Occitanie region, which alone accounts for 60% of the area planted. The departments of Gers, Tarn, Tarn-et-Garonne, and Drôme are among the most dynamic, the latter also being a bastion of garlic seed production."
© ANIAIL
A French model to defend against the competition
© ANIAIL
"With a self-sufficiency rate of 42%, the French sector is still subject to strong foreign competition, particularly from Spain and China. However, the signs are encouraging. In 2023, imports decreased by 12%, while exports of French garlic rose by 4%, boosted by the quality image of the French product in Europe." The sector is therefore relying on the 'Mon Ail Français' collective brand, supported by ANIAIL, to promote the origin and commitments of producers to clients, distributors, and catering professionals. "Through this banner, the sector is asserting a model based on sustainability, transparency, and transmission."
Two new PGIs pending
"The typicality of the terroir is reflected in the official quality labels that promote the different varieties," according to ANIAIL. To date, the sector already has 6 quality labels to its credit - Red Label for Lautrec pink garlic, PGI for Lomagne white garlic, white garlic from the Drôme, smoked garlic from Arleux and Lautrec pink garlic, and PDO for Cardours purple garlic. Two new PGIs are currently being examined by INAO: Pink garlic from Billom (Auvergne) and garlic from Piolenc (Vaucluse).
For more information:
Association Nationale Interprofessionnelle de l'Ail
Agropole Innovations
Bât AGROTEC
47931 Agen
[email protected]
