THE 8 SPECIALISED PLANT SECTORS
Specialised plants can be defined as plant production with high added value, characterised by intensive requirements in terms of production factors (labour, equipment), which generates a high turnover per metre squared.
Horticulture: high production
- The first national rank of pot plants, bedding plants, young nursery plants, bulbs, dahlias, and potted shrubs.
- 90% of production is destined for local and national markets and grown over 3 400 hectares. 10% of production is exported, mostly with Europe..
- 280 companies, providing 3 300 permanents jobs.
Seeds: dynamic research in response to competition
- The first national rank of vegetable and flower seeds, with 25% of national production and a turnover of 60M€
- The first european seed producer in terms of volume, the 3rd exporter in the world
- National leader national producter of hemp seeds with more than 95% of the french production
- Over 1330 businesses, with almost 3000 employees
Market gardening: the beautiful part of field crops
- Two leading vegetables : lamb's lettuce, with 80% of national production, and early leeks, with 27%.
- 20 to 30 % of Anjou region producers' turnover is from export.
- 41% of companies are groupes into cooperatives
- 20 200 employees, or 4300 FTE (Full time equivalent)
Arboriculture: firmly oriented towards export
- The first national rank of apples (Anjou is the largest French producer in terms of area and tonnage) and blackcurrants (Maine et Loire is the largest, with 24% in terms of area).
- 50 % of export volume is produced in the Loire Valley.
- 471 specialist production companies. 22 700 jobs, of 3600 FTE (Full time equivalent)
Viticulture: 3rd French vineyard
- 75% of production is consumed in France and 25% is exported to Great Britain, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and the United States.
- 42 000 hectares of vineyards
- 4100 businesses, 2000 permanent employees
"Health, Beauty, Well-being" plants: an interdisciplinary growth market
- First national rank of medicinal plants, with over 70 species cultivated over 700 hectares.
- Over 20 production, processing and trading companies, national and international leaders, are established in the Pays de Loire.
- Markets involved : food, cosmetics, human, animal and plant health.
- Development perspectives : 80% of French demand is currently imported.
Mushrooms: a growth market
- 1st French region. 50% of French production cultivated in Maine et Loire, with the leading product "Champignon de Paris"
- 875 000 tons, 42 % of wich is destined for industry and 58% to be consumed fresh.
- A fresh and frozen produce market which is experiencing constant growth in Europe.
Cider apples and tobacco: regional logic
- 13% of national cider production
- 535 hectares dedicated to tobacco farming.
..and business indirectly involved in plant production
Equipment manufacturers, suppliers and service providers are involved with VEGEPOLYS, inspired by their networking, sharing of tools and innovation workshops.