Rosy future for French fruit farmers?
20 May 2004
The Commission has approved a French
national scheme to provide Euro 74.5 million in aid over a four
year period for uprooting old trees and replanting fruit orchards
with new varieties. Farmers will be given:
- Euro 5,335 for every hectare grubbed
- Euro 8,384 per hectare of apple trees replanted
-
Euro 6,097 per hectare of peach/nectarines
trees replanted
Editorial comment
In South Africa, changing consumer tastes for apples saw a major
crisis in the deciduous fruit industry which now faces major problems
of restructuring. French farmers facing similar problems can now
receive extensive assistance to facilitate restructuring in line
with consumer preferences. This will give French farmers a competitive
edge over deciduous fruit producers in South Africa.