Cooperative Le Marché de Phalempin Experiences Strong Yields and Stable Prices
The recent weather conditions have posed challenges for many summer crops in terms of both consumption and production. However, for certain vegetables, the climate has proven advantageous. Such is the case for turnips marketed by Le Marché de Phalempin, a producers’ cooperative consisting of 230 members in the Hauts-de-France region.
“We produce 50,000 tons of vegetables a year, half of which are endives. The growers are the ones who keep the sector going, organizing themselves to have more weight in terms of trade. It is a tool they have created and it belongs to them,” explains Marie-Amélie Decherf, communication and marketing manager at Le Marché de Phalempin. Although the cooperative was initially built around endives, it has since diversified into a wide range of vegetables and fruits. “We produce cauliflower, carrots, leeks, onions, cabbage, squash, organic lettuce, apples and pears, as well as strawberries, rhubarb, and turnips, of which we sell 1,500 tons a year,” adds Camille Declerck, vegetable crop communication manager at Le Marché de Phalempin.
Strong Yields and Active Market
The cooperative includes four turnip growers, among them Sylvain Delecroix. “We started sowing in February and harvested from mid-May to mid-February.” This nearly year-round production cycle ensures a steady supply. While the majority of the harvest occurs in September and October to align with peak consumption in autumn, the turnip market is currently thriving. “The weather has been favorable to the crop, so we have had good yields and consumption. This is a good year, and as far as we are concerned, the weather has also helped with sales,” notes Declerck.
In terms of pricing, there has been no shortage as all production basins were active, keeping prices fairly stable. “We have, however, noticed a downward trend over the last couple of weeks, since the weather has improved,” says Delecroix.
Labor-Intensive Crop
According to Marie-Amélie Decherf, it is crucial that growers’ remuneration does not fall below a certain threshold to remain consistent with their labor. “Turnips are labor-intensive vegetables. This is particularly true for flat turnips, which are harvested by hand. To cope with pests while using as few phytosanitary products as possible, we cover the turnips from the first day until the last to limit attacks by flies and other insects.”
Delecroix elaborates, “Depending on the orders received the day before, we harvest the turnips in the morning and take them to the shed to be cut – the roots and collars removed – washed, graded, and packaged in the afternoon.”
Ensuring Freshness Through Efficient Logistics
The cooperative prioritizes maximum freshness for its clients through an optimized logistics system. “It can take as little as 24 hours from harvest to arrival on the shelves. We have a pick-up system with a truck that goes round the farms in the morning, so the growers do not have to travel. The turnips are then passed on to some 20 order pickers. Then, the sales staff start selling as the orders are being packed. The aim is to work on a just-in-time basis, so as to be as close as possible to market needs and guarantee optimal freshness for our clients.”
Turnips sold by Le Marché de Phalempin are available in sizes 40/60 and 60/80, packaged in 1kg nets or 5kg bulk. The fruit and vegetables are marketed by sales offices such as Prymex and Santerleg.
