Specialist & Consultant
White, Green & Purple Asparagus
A recognized expert in the asparagus industry, Christian Befve has supported producers, cooperatives, and institutions around the world for over five decades. His expertise covers the entire chain: from cultivation to marketing, for green, white, and purple asparagus.
From soil to market, he masters every aspect: feasibility study, cultivation, varieties, quality, distribution channels, trends…
For over 55 years, Christian Befve has devoted his life to asparagus. His unique expertise, built in the field and recognized internationally, makes him the go-to expert in the sector. Whether you’re a supplier, grower, processor, distributor, or project leader, benefit from tailored support based on a deep and passionate knowledge of asparagus.
Years of Expertise
With humility and passion, we approach our profession. Every year, we help growers cultivate the finest asparagus, adapted to their land and market.
Tons of Asparagus
Befve & Co supervises over 350k tons of asparagus annually. As an expert in agronomy and industry development, we support growers, cooperatives, and distributors in France and worldwide.
Discover the latest articles
from Asparagus & Berries World Magazine
Present on all 5 continents, we offer personalized and confidential support to each asparagus grower — whether they cultivate white, green, or purple asparagus, using conventional, organic, or biodynamic methods. We also help them anticipate the effects of climate change and adapt to labor shortages.
Throughout the entire cultivation process, we tailor our approach to the local and specific conditions of each asparagus producer. Together, we develop the best production strategy.
From soil preparation to varietal selection, irrigation issues to harvest management, and asparagus health protection, we accompany each grower step by step.
Our involvement goes beyond asparagus production and also addresses packaging, market positioning, and marketing challenges.
Find here the answers to the
most frequently asked questions.
Yes, absolutely. Befve & Co operates in France as well as in numerous countries across Europe, Africa, North and South America, and Asia. With over 55 years of experience, we have supported more than 40 countries in developing their asparagus industry — from crop establishment and yield improvement to varietal selection and local market structuring. Thanks to an approach tailored to each agricultural, climatic, and economic context, our international support is recognized for its relevance and effectiveness.
Asparagus consists of a crown (or rhizome) with axial and lateral buds, and stems. It is a perennial plant that stores reserves, which it uses during harvest.
Its vegetative cycle includes:
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Winter: dormancy
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Spring: harvest
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Summer: vegetative growth during which reserves are stored
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Autumn: end of vegetation and return to dormancy
Varieties have evolved: they are now either open-pollinated, double hybrids, clonal hybrids, or male hybrids. Major variety breeders include Planasa, Bejo, Limgroup, Royal Sluis, Nunhems, etc.
・White: because it grows in darkness
・Green: because it grows in light
・Purple: because it begins to grow in light before turning green
All soil types are suitable, though light, sandy soils are preferred, especially for white asparagus.
The soil must be well-drained. The optimal pH is between 5 and 7.5.
Yes, irrigation is essential.
Drip irrigation is the preferred system.
Sprinkling should be avoided, as it wets the foliage and promotes foliar diseases.
It is recommended to reduce watering frequency and favor larger applications to oxygenate the soil.
All types of climates are suitable.
The optimal temperature for vigorous growth is between 17 and 25 °C.
Ideal annual rainfall is between 0 and 800 mm.
To cope with climate variability, thermal mulches are used.
・Conventional
・Organic
・Biodynamic
There is a growing obligation to reduce the use of phytosanitary products, which are both expensive and polluting.
Asparagus is one of the cleanest crops in the world, as the spear never comes into contact with any product.
It requires nitrogen, phosphoric acid, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and trace elements—especially boron.
During the first years, when the crowns are being established, high fertilization is needed. From the 5th or 6th year onward, the needs decrease.
Nutrient inputs should be adapted to the plant’s phenological stages.
The plant also needs a lot of organic matter.
It is sensitive to several diseases:
・Fusarium oxysporum or moniliforme
・Rust (Puccinia asparagi)
・Violet rhizoctonia
・Phytophthora
・Stemphylium
・Botrytis, etc.
It is also attacked by pests:
・Bagworm caterpillars (Hypopta caestrum)
・Seedcorn maggot (Phorbia platura)
・Asparagus fly (Platyparea poeciloptera)
・Asparagus miner (Ophiomyia simplex)
・Asparagus beetles (Crioceris asparagi)
・Asparagus aphid (Brachycorynella asparagi)
In 2000, it took 0.6 kg of asparagus to pay for one hour of labor.
Today, it takes 4.6 kg.
Labor costs are rising faster than sales prices: a revolution in production is needed, using techniques that reduce labor dependence.
Labor represents around 60% of the production cost.
It must be low-cost and available in all weather conditions.
It is rapidly developing to reduce production costs, influence sale prices, and decrease physical strain.
Harvesting robots are being tested.
Other robots are used for packaging.
Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to optimize mechanization.
Consumption remains stable in Western countries despite high costs and is growing in emerging countries such as Asia, South America, and Africa.
White asparagus is more often consumed by older people, during the season, and needs to be peeled.
Green asparagus, more modern, appeals to younger people for its color and the fact that it does not require peeling. It is also consumed year-round.
Asparagus is excellent for your health.
It is rich in fiber.