How did you get started in this business ?

Over time, I acquired a lot of parcels and we now farm about 80 hectares divided into about 130 farm plots (spread over seven districts and two departments), which are approved for organic agriculture. I work with my wife, Evelyne, three employees and a good number of temporary workers and student interns who come from different countries. The work is intense and I actually do 80 hours a week, slightly less in winter. This job means sacrificing your family life and the succession is not assured. You really have to be devoted and motivated because organic farming is done manually. Today, young people in agricultural jobs no longer want to do this type of production and 90% are aiming for jobs as agricultural consultants…

What do you produce ?

I primarily produce vegetables and a few cereals, scrupulously following the organic agriculture specifications. Our production is non-intensive and respects the seasonal nature of the produce. I am fighting for the seasonal nature of organic produce, but it is quite hard to battle when faced with consumers who want organic produce all year round. As a result, we face competition from foreign productions in Southern Europe and North Africa, which are much less expensive. I produce lettuce, radishes, turnips, string beans, green peas, tomatoes, leeks and potatoes. All together, there are about sixty products, with several varieties, like the tomato (40% heirloom varieties). For example, I produce an heirloom tomato, the Berne rose, which is eaten when very ripe. Our productions are highly dependent on the weather and diseases. For instance, I lost 75% of my tomato production last year due to mildew.

What are your distribution networks ?

We sell our produce through three main channels : retail namely markets, the AMAP network (a consumer network to assist small local farmers using organic agriculture) and Rungis Market. We prefer short channels because we are not very competitive financially.
The AMAP network is growing rapidly. An AMAP is an association of consumers tied to a local producer by an agreement providing for bulk delivery of vegetables grown by organic agriculture on a set date. The consumers organize the distribution amongst themselves. This method is developing, with 1,000 AMAP in 2007, compared to 50 in 2001. I supply the AMAP in Eragny, Montmartre-Goutte d’Or in Paris and Air France at Charles de Gaulle Airport and I have to turn down two new requests a week.
I sell the produce individually at retail markets or using the concept of the individual basket with a number of products for a fixed price. Lastly, at Rungis Market I sell to a certain number of organic operators. My turnover on that market has dropped from 50% to 25% in twenty years .

How is the organic market doing ?

The value of organic agriculture lies in its diversity. The organic market is growing but it is caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. We can’t lower the price of string beans and increase wages. To develop this market, the solution demands subsidized employment. Consumers would like organic produce at standard prices, which is not possible. Furthermore, French regulations on organic farming are far too strict compared to many other competing countries that are hurting us badly.

What do you think of Rungis Market ?

I find there is too much fluctuation on prices and too many cheaper out-of-season, foreign organic products. While the Rungis market is a wonderful showcase, there is no reason why it should become a bargain basement.