French Agriculture Minister Visits to Address Challenges in the Endive Sector
On May 16th, French Minister of Agriculture Agnès Pannier-Runacher visited the headquarters of the French Endive Producers’ Association (APEF) in Arras to discuss critical issues facing endive growers. The withdrawal of three active ingredients has left producers searching for viable alternatives. Pierre Varlet, Managing Director of APEF, provided an overview of the situation.
Endive growers have been vocal about their concerns for several months. In February, 350 stakeholders gathered at the Hauts-de-France region headquarters to highlight the industry’s challenges and seek political support. The banned active ingredients include Benfluralin (Bonalan) and Triflusulfuron-methyl (Safari), both used to control goosefoot. Spirotetramat (Movento), initially slated for its last usage this year, has been granted an extension for use until October 2025 by French authorities.
Viballa Trials and Other Potential Solutions
Efforts to find replacements are underway, with 40 trials involving 9 different molecules currently in progress. However, results have yet to yield a definitive solution. An equalization fund, supported by state aid of 96,000 euros (approximately 103,814 USD), has been established to encourage growers to conduct field tests. Among the promising candidates is Viballa (halauxifen-methyl), commonly used on sunflowers. If successful, it could be authorized by 2025.
APEF is also considering strategies employed in neighboring countries. The association may leverage the mutual recognition procedure under the 2009 European regulation, which allows for the use of products authorized in other EU member states, such as pendimethalin, currently approved in Belgium.
Additionally, the PARSADA plan (Strategic Action Plan for Anticipating the Potential European Withdrawal of Active Substances and Developing Alternative Techniques for Crop Protection) offers another potential avenue. With a budget of 146 million euros (approximately 158 million USD) annually over five years, it aims to finance projects like Déserherbendive, submitted in January 2024, to support experimental work.
Current Market Conditions and Future Outlook
As the current season concludes, endive growers report a low supply coupled with stable, firm prices. Favorable weather conditions are eagerly awaited to complete sowing activities. APEF will be participating in the Terres en Fête agricultural show near Arras on June 7th, 8th, and 9th, to further engage with stakeholders and explore solutions.
