The European Green Deal is contested by some of the continent’s farmers, and now by endive and chicory producers. These vegetables are grown in the Netherlands, Belgium and especially in France, which is the world’s leading producer of endives.
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From May, three herbicides and pesticides used in the sector will gradually be banned in the European Union. A measure which is part of the European Green Deal, a pact which should allow Europe to respect the Paris climate agreement. But the endiviers assure that they find themselves without an alternative and fear for their future.
Faced with the anger of farmers, the French government made this promise: there will be no ban without a solution. A demand from the majority agricultural unions. So, endive and chicory producers are waiting for action. Two herbicides they use will be banned this year, then a pesticide next year.
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Pierre Varlet heads the association which brings together 300 French endive producers. “ This will be the last season that we will be able to use these solutions. We have no alternative at this time. The experimental work carried out within our association has not yet resulted in economically and technically viable solutions. “, he said.
Weeding robots are being tested, but are not yet operational for endives. The sector was already weakened by the rise in energy prices. Jean-Michel Delannoy fears seeing his colleagues turn to other activities. “ It’s the first time in my life that I’ve seen so many people united around the same thing and the same fears: the fear of disappearing, because the constraints are becoming so enormous, many can be tempted to want to fall into a corner. lands. Especially when they see others who have already done it and are more successful than them », deplores the endive producer, who runs a local cooperative.
He says he regrets today having encouraged his son to associate with him. French and Belgian endivators intend to submit requests for exemptions at national level.