The future looks positive again for French asparagus. This is the result of less pressure from the Mediterranean asparagus from Spain, Greece and Morocco. Also the productivity increased, thanks to planting Dutch varieties, such as Grolim and by using black plastic covers and the use of machines, which support employees when harvesting, with the result that instead of 7 to 8 kg/hour now 18 kg/hour can be harvested.
During the past ten years the area decreased by 37% (from 7783ha in 2000 to 4932ha in 2010) and the number of companies by 42% (3357 in 2010). The remaining companies have become very specialised and the average number of hectares per company has increased by 10%. Also the number of hectares in 2013 increased by 3% (722ha) and this year growers still expect to plant 98ha. The average French annual yield is now about 18,000 tons.
Less pressure from the Mediterranean asparagus offers an early selling opportunity to French growers. In future, varieties, such as Vitalim, could start 15 days earlier and 80% of the French production could be harvested in March and April.
This year the season also started early, because winter frost in the south-east and south-west of France spared the production. The season slowly extends to the south-east and it is expected that in Val de Loire the first asparagus will be harvested in the middle of March. This year promotion material will be available to stimulate the sale of vegetables, especially by showing the practical and many other sides of the vegetable.
