An unintended consequence of rising energy prices is looming. Tomatoes could cost more this year because 95% of French production is grown in gas-heated greenhouses. Strawberries and cucumbers could also be affected by this inflation.
The war in Ukraine has caused energy prices to soar, particularly gas. It was multiplied by ten. As a result, tomatoes could sell for more this year, reports BFM Business. 95% of French production is indeed grown above ground in greenhouses that are heated by gas.
Several cooperatives and federations of agricultural unions have recently warned of rising production costs for many growers of soilless crops. In order to limit their expenses, some market gardeners have also decided to cultivate smaller areas. Because in addition to suffering from the increase in the price of energy, farmers must face the increase in other production costs such as packaging and inputs (products necessary for production such as fertilizers, pesticides, seeds, etc. .).
New negotiations
The share of products imported from Morocco or Spain should therefore increase this year. If we want local food, all these problems will have to be solved in the future, explains Patrick Lvque, president of the Regional Federation of Farmers’ Unions PACA (FRSEA), BFM Business. The price of tomatoes could rise, as could strawberries and cucumbers. Patrick Lvque also considers that the measures of the government’s resilience plan are insufficient to limit the increase in prices.
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In order not to force farmers to sell at a loss, new negotiations between distributors and producers are underway. Without a gesture from large retailers, we will be blocked, we would have to double the price of our products, warned Christophe Rousse, always on BFM Business. Christophe Rousse, president of Solarenn, a cooperative of Breton tomato producers, is asking supermarket chains to reduce their margins.