On 21 June Interfel discussed the economic situation of the French fruit and vegetable sector. Bernard Miozzo and Bernard Chiron of Meloen AOP and Bruno Darnaud, chairman of the French AOP peaches and nectarines, gave a lecture. As a result of the crisis in which these sectors were also hit, a European program has been put forward in order to promote the consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables. Miozzo even speaks about the "defence of the cultivation, which is on the point of going worldwide." He especially pointed to the Spanish competition, which is getting a bigger share all the time.
Darnaud, who is a producer of peaches and nectarines as well, mentions that the French production amounts to 10% of the European production. "With 600 growers we work ecologically responsible orchards. We not only think about the environment, but are also important for the economy. 1HA means 1 job and at the moment we have 12,000 HA of orchards. We therefore create a lot of jobs in France on condition that we continue to satisfy the expectation of the client in terms of taste and ripeness.
"During the summer only in the Drôme, where Darnaud works, almost 30,000 people are working on the basis of a seasonal contract in the peach and nectarine orchards. It is therefore of great importance that the French consumer realises the importance for both the French economy and the producers of the consumption of French fruit and vegetables.
"During the summer only in the Drôme, where Darnaud works, almost 30,000 people are working on the basis of a seasonal contract in the peach and nectarine orchards. It is therefore of great importance that the French consumer realises the importance for both the French economy and the producers of the consumption of French fruit and vegetables.