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Reportage photo : 29ème expoSE / expoDirekt (Allemagne) par FreshPlaza

Posted on by Christian

Reportage photo : 29ème expoSE / expoDirekt (Allemagne)

Cette année encore, l’ensemble du secteur des asperges et des fraises s’est retrouvé à Karlsruhe. Sur deux jours, les deux halls d’exposition ont accueilli 426 exposants venus de 16 pays qui ont présenté leurs nouveautés et leurs produits. La plupart des exposants sont originaires d’Allemagne et des Pays-Bas, mais des Français, des Polonais, des Italiens, des Espagnols et quelques Européens de l’Est ont également participé au salon. Au fil des ans, l’offre de la foire s’est considérablement élargie et aujourd’hui, un fournisseur international peut se trouver à côté d’un magasin à la ferme. « C’est vraiment ce qui fait le charme de cet événement », a déclaré un participant en soulignant le caractère unique de l’expoSE/expoDirekt.

Nouveaux exposants positifs
Bien qu’après presque 30 ans, le salon soit devenu un rendez-vous incontournable pour de nombreux fournisseurs du secteur des asperges et des petits fruits, il y a eu cette année encore plus de 60 nouveaux exposants, dont Looije Agro Technics. « Nous constatons, surtout ici en Allemagne, une vraie tendance à passer de la culture de fraises en plein champ à la culture sous abri. C’est la principale raison de notre participation, car de nombreux producteurs de petits fruits viennent traditionnellement à Karlsruhe. » Parallèlement, certains exposants reviennent après plusieurs années, notamment le fournisseur de machines Top Control du Tyrol du Sud. « Pour nous, cela fait peut-être dix ans que nous n’avons pas eu notre propre stand. À l’époque, nous n’avions qu’un portefeuille limité, ce qui faisait que nous n’avions pas notre place ici. Entre-temps, nous nous sommes développés rapidement et ce salon est la plateforme idéale pour nous. Nous reviendrons donc sans aucun doute l’année prochaine. »

Petits fruits couverts en hausse, asperges en transition
Comme le soulignent certains participants, la culture sous abri est en constante augmentation, en particulier en Allemagne, mais aussi dans d’autres pays d’Europe occidentale et centrale. En raison de la disparition des cultures traditionnelles en plein air et de l’augmentation des cultures, plus petites mais plus efficaces, sur des gouttières et sous des tunnels, la superficie totale cultivée diminue. Les experts et les fournisseurs prévoient que les producteurs qui ne suivent pas finiront par disparaître. »

Le secteur des asperges connaît une évolution similaire. « Avant, on voyait encore des producteurs laisser fleurir des parcelles plus anciennes, au sens propre comme au sens figuré. Aujourd’hui, ces parcelles sont arrachées plus tôt et replantées, la plupart du temps avec des variétés plus modernes », rapporte un fournisseur de matériel de plantation. En termes d’innovation variétale, cependant, le secteur ne suit pas encore. Limgroup a toutefois profité de l’occasion pour présenter sa nouveauté Ruralim et Enza Zaden travaille sur une nouvelle variété destinée à la culture en Europe du Nord-Ouest. Celle-sera commercialisée à partir de la saison prochaine et n’a pas encore de nom officiel.

Besoin d’alternatives durables en matière d’emballage
Un sujet brûlant dans le secteur en ce moment est la redoutable loi PPWR sur les emballages, qui entrera en vigueur à partir de 2030 dans l’ensemble de l’UE. Les fournisseurs réagissent, après plusieurs années sans vraiment d’innovations en matière d’emballage durable et appellent massivement le secteur à passer à temps à des emballages conformes à la loi PPWR. Cette évolution nécessaire doit se poursuivre dans les années à venir jusqu’à l’introduction officielle, bien que l’urgence ne semble pas encore avoir été perçue par tous les acteurs de la filière.

Cliquez ici pour voir le reportage photo

Pour plus d’informations :
https://www.expo-se.de/ Date de publication: lun. 24 nov. 2025

© FreshPlaza.fr / Hugo Huijbers

New blueberry biofactory opens in Peru by FreshPlaza

Posted on by Christian

New blueberry biofactory opens in Peru

Camposol has inaugurated a new biofactory in Chao, Virú (Trujillo), describing it as part of its broader strategy for genetic development and expansion into new crop areas. The facility covers 2,000 square meters and has an annual production capacity of up to 5 million blueberry plants.

The biofactory integrates in vitro and ex vitro propagation processes within one site. In vitro work includes the establishment and multiplication phases, using conventional methods alongside bioreactors to increase propagation efficiency and reduce production time. All methods follow traditional, non-GMO breeding techniques.

The ex vitro area uses European growth-chamber systems that allow precise control of temperature, humidity, CO₂, and lighting. These conditions are used to manage seedling acclimatization, including rooting, growth, and hardening, before plants move to the main nursery and then to production fields.

The facility is operated by a team with experience in tissue culture and plant biotechnology.

Camposol CEO Ricardo Naranjo said the biofactory will support the company’s capacity to develop and multiply its own plant material. He said the facility is intended to speed up the rollout of proprietary blueberry varieties that reflect market requirements.

According to the company, the increased production capacity will support plans to plant additional hectares using internal genetics and to replant certain existing areas with newer varieties. Camposol said its breeding program is ongoing and is expected to generate new varieties adapted to local growing conditions.

Naranjo said the biofactory gives the company more control over plant availability for its expansion plans and supports long-term operational consistency.

For more information:
Camposol
Tel: +511 634 7100
Email: hmongrut@camposol.com
www.camposol.com

Posted on by Christian

Peru expects a 10% growth in agro-exports by 202 by FreshPlaza

Peru expects a 10% growth in agro-exports by 2025

Over the past two decades, Peru has firmly established itself as a major player in global agriculture. It now ranks among the world’s top exporters of products like asparagus, blueberries, avocados, and table grapes. This rapid growth has made agricultural exports the country’s second-largest source of income, after mining, and has significantly boosted employment, directly or indirectly involving nearly a quarter of the population.

Peru’s natural advantage: geographic and climatic diversity
One of Peru’s greatest strengths lies in its natural diversity. With up to 38 different climate types across its territory, Peru can grow crops year-round. This gives it a clear edge over other countries with more rigid seasonal cycles.

Geographically, Peru is divided into three regions: the Coast, the Highlands (Sierra), and the Jungle (Selva). The Coast, although mostly desert, is home to around 60% of the population—mainly in urban areas. Thanks to the large-scale use of modern irrigation systems, this region has developed a high-value agricultural sector. Here, export-oriented crops are grown, such as table grapes, avocados, mangoes, blueberries, asparagus, artichokes, onions, and peppers. However, northern and, to a lesser extent, central coastal areas are vulnerable to the El Niño coastal phenomenon, which periodically brings intense, and sometimes destructive, rains.

The Sierra, home to about 26% of Peruvians, is dominated by small-scale farmers who typically work plots smaller than five hectares. Their focus is mainly on the domestic market, growing traditional crops like potatoes, corn, quinoa, cabbage, carrots, and tomatoes. That said, more commercial crops such as avocados are also emerging in some Andean areas, along with pilot projects involving cherries.

The Selva (Jungle) makes up 60% of Peru’s land area but holds just 14% of its population. Subsistence farming is still common here, though in recent years, commercial production of coffee, cacao, bananas, ginger, and turmeric has expanded.

Farm structure and the challenges facing small growers
Many of Peru’s key export crops, avocados, mangoes, bananas, citrus fruits, asparagus, peppers, artichokes, onions, ginger, and turmeric, are to some extent grown by smallholders. This structure is partly the result of the agrarian reform of the 1970s and later land fragmentation through inheritance. As a result, minifundios (small plots) are common, especially in the Sierra and Selva, and in some parts of the Coast.

This fragmented landscape creates major challenges for efficient marketing: lack of organization, poor infrastructure, inconsistent standards, and limited access to technology. To overcome these barriers, various export companies are working to integrate small producers by providing training, supplying inputs, and coordinating production volumes.

In contrast, crops like table grapes and blueberries are mostly grown on large estates managed by agro-industrial firms. These operations benefit from economies of scale, meet international phytosanitary standards more easily, and can connect directly to global markets.

Growth in numbers: agro-exports aiming for $14 billion
According to Peru’s Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Teresa Mera, the country’s agricultural exports are projected to exceed $14 billion in 2025—a 10% increase over the previous year. This surge is largely driven by coastal regions, with Ica, La Libertad, Piura, and Lambayeque accounting for more than 80% of total exports.

Peru’s top 5 agricultural exports in 2024

1. Blueberries
With more than 20,000 hectares under cultivation, Peru is the world’s leading blueberry exporter, far ahead of the U.S. and Morocco, whose exports are six times smaller. In 2024, Peru exported 325,846 tons worth $2.27 billion. Over 75% of production comes from La Libertad and Lambayeque. Harvest begins in June, peaks in September and October, and wraps up in March. The U.S. is the main market, absorbing 57% of exports, followed by the EU (22%), China, and Hong Kong.

2. Table grapes
Peru also tops the global ranking for table grape exports, sending out 558,063 tons in 2024, valued at $1.70 billion. It outpaced Chile (529,470 tons) and China (483,373 tons in 2023). The harvest season starts in September and runs through April, with the largest export volumes in December and January. Ica and Piura produce over 80% of the national output. Key markets include the U.S. (47%), the EU (17%), and Asia (13%). The total cultivated area exceeds 22,000 hectares.

3. Avocados
With nearly 35,000 hectares of avocado groves across Lambayeque, La Libertad, Lima, and Ica, Peru exported 570,457 tons in 2024, generating $1.25 billion. It ranks second globally, after Mexico (1,120,918 tons) and ahead of Israel (151,374 tons in 2023). While exports happen year-round, the bulk occurs from March to September. The EU is the main buyer (51.8%), followed by the U.S. (13.9%).

4. Asparagus
Peru enjoys the rare ability to produce asparagus all year. In 2024, the country exported 96,731 tons, earning $406 million. It’s the world’s second-largest exporter after Mexico (129,837 tons) and ahead of the U.S. (42,873 tons in 2023). La Libertad is the top-producing region, accounting for 50% of national output. The total cultivated area is around 28,000 hectares.

5. Mangoes
Mango production is largely concentrated in Piura, which accounts for 65% of Peru’s output. The export season runs from October to April. In 2024, the country exported 177,903 tons worth $317 million, ranking fourth globally behind Mexico (461,766 tons), Thailand (377,351 tons), and Brazil (266,575 tons in 2023). Total cultivated area reaches 42,000 hectares.

Additional key exports are citrus fruits (195,032 tons; $255 million), dried paprika (34,400 tons; $130 million), fresh or chilled onions (308,368 tons; $127 million), processed artichokes (43,445 tons; $120 million), bananas (mostly organic – 150,760 tons; $115 million) and ginger (47,793 tons; $104 million, despite a recent drop in volume). These 11 products alone account for 53% of Peru’s total agricultural exports. In addition, coffee (8.6%) and cacao (5.8%) remain vital components of Peru’s agricultural export portfolio.

Export destinations and port logistics
Peru’s main export destinations in 2024 were the United States (34.7%), the Netherlands (14.8%), Spain (6.4%), the UK (3.7%), Chile and Mexico (3.5% each), Ecuador (3.1%), Germany, China, and Canada (between 2.4% and 2.6%). By region: the U.S. and Canada received 37.1% of exports, Europe 33.2%, Latin America 17.2%, and Asia 10.1%.

Key export ports included Callao (39%), Paita in Piura (19.4%), Salaverry in La Libertad (14.1%), Pisco in Ica (11.6%), and Chiclayo in Lambayeque (4.7%). Special mention goes to the port of Chancay, which, although handling just 0.5% of exports in 2024, is emerging as a strategic gateway to the Asian market, where demand for Peruvian fruit is growing rapidly.

Investment and new agricultural projects
Peru’s investment agency, Proinversión, sees great potential for expanding modern agriculture. Through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), up to 250,000 hectares of new farmland could be added, requiring investments of over $4.3 billion. This would double the current export-oriented agricultural area, now at roughly 250,000 hectares. These new projects are expected to be managed by large agro-industrial companies.

Key initiatives include: Chavimochic Stage III (La Libertad; ~111,000 ha), Majes Siguas Stage II (Arequipa; ~38,500 ha), Chinecas (Áncash; ~83,000 ha) and Chancay–Lambayeque (Lambayeque; ~20,000 ha). Additionally, 168,000 hectares are being evaluated for inclusion through other projects like Olmos II (Lambayeque), Pampas Verdes (Ayacucho), and Alto Piura and Chira (Piura).

*The data provided in this article comes from the Peruvian Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (Midagri), the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur), the National Superintendence of Customs and Tax Administration (Sunat), the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics (Inei), and Faostat.

Frontpage photo: © ID 201127994 © Rommel Gonzalez | Dreamstime.com | Dreamstime

Participez à l’aventure de Sylektis qui développe le premier robot français de récolte des asperges blanches et vertes

Posted on by Christian

Sylektis: Transformer la récolte agricole avec le tout premier robot de récolte autonome polyvalent. Pour accentuer notre croissance, nous proposons à notre communauté l’opportunité de devenir actionnaire de Sylektis et de contribuer au changement dans l’agriculture durable. Sylektis a une excellente expérience dans la récolte des asperges blanches et vertes.

Sylektis: Transformer la récolte agricole avec l’AsperCut, le tout premier robot de récolte d’asperges blanches et d’asperges vertes.
Vidéo de l’AsperCut en action:https://youtu.be/jO_I0FiE2Ds?si=bEw4fxVoiMPxpkLy
Pour lancer notre croissance, nous vous proposons l’opportunité de devenir actionnaire de Sylektis et de contribuer au changement dans l’agriculture durable.​
Les défis du marché agricole :Dépendance aux importations pour plus de 50% des fruits et légumes en France, entraînant des conséquences sur la qualité et l’environnement.
Manque chronique de personnel agricole, avec un besoin annuel de 270 000 saisonniers.
Accroissement de l’agriculture robotisée: marché estimé à 27,7 milliards USD d’ici 2029, avec un TCAM de 13,1%. 
La réponse de Sylektis :Sylektis s’attaque à ces problématiques avec un robot de récolte polyvalent novateur, conçu pour les fruits et légumes, qui :
– Diminue de 88% les besoins en personnel, un opérateur contrôlant plusieurs robots de récoltes.
– Augmente la précision de la récolte grâce à une vision 3D et une IA sophistiquée, réduisant les gaspillages.
– Réduit de 50% l’empreinte carbone, promouvant la production locale et durable.
Nos réalisations et perspectives :Validation solide du marché : Potentiel de ventes de 147 millions d’euros.
Levée de 1M€ pour soutenir la R&D, avec un retour sur investissement prévu sur 4 ans.
Vente de 8 robots dès 2027 puis montée à 100 robots par an dès 2029.Projection d’un chiffre d’affaires supérieur à 4 M€ dès 2027-28.
Modalités d’investissement :Les investissements sont réservés aux 30 premiers investisseurs retenus.​
Pour plus d’informations, contactez directement par email ou téléphone Wilfried Garrigue, président de Sylektis. Notre équipe est prête à discuter avec vous et à répondre à toutes vos questions.​
Avec Sylektis, le futur s’est maintenant, alors n’hésitez pas à nous rejoindre!
PRÉSIDENT & FONDATEUR
SYLEKTISWilfried GARRIGUETel: +33 (0)6 08 99 22 73mail: wilfried.garrigue@sylektis.comwww.sylektis.com

Wilfried GARRIGUE                                  

SYLEKTIS

Président

Mobile: +33 (0)6 08 99 22 73

Email: wilfried.garrigue@sylektis.com

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Benefits and recipe for asparagus

Posted on by Vincent

Benefits and recipe for asparagus

Delicious vegetables…

Asparagus are delicious vegetables that can be enjoyed in many ways and offer numerous health benefits. Discover some key benefits and a simple asparagus recipe:

  1. They are low in calories and fat, but rich in nutrients. Asparagus are a good source of vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium, and dietary fiber.
  2. They may help prevent heart disease. Asparagus contain folate, which can reduce elevated homocysteine levels in the blood—a risk factor for heart problems.
  3. They can help reduce inflammation. Asparagus are a good source of quercetin, an antioxidant known to lower inflammation in the body.
  4. They may improve digestion. Their high fiber content supports digestive health and helps prevent constipation.

Grilled Asparagus – A Simple Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (about 450 g) of asparagus
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Wash and dry the asparagus. Trim off the woody ends.
  3. In a bowl, toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  4. Wrap the asparagus in aluminum foil.
  5. Place them on the grill and cook for about 10 minutes, turning once, until tender.
  6. Remove from the grill and serve hot.
    Optionally, serve with a vinaigrette or sauce of your choice.

Discover more recipes on super-marmite.com.

https://www.super-marmite.com/blog/asperges-violettes-bienfaits-et-utilisation-en-cuisine/

Asparagus Juice Is Also Beneficial

Asparagus juice is a great way to enjoy the vegetable’s health benefits. Here are some of its potential effects:

recette asperges

May help reduce inflammation, thanks to its quercetin content. May support digestion — especially helpful for those who struggle to eat enough vegetables. May help regulate blood pressure, as asparagus are a good source of potassium. May benefit skin health, thanks to vitamins A and C.

Freshly pressed asparagus juice is best, as it contains more nutrients than bottled juice. You can make it at home using a juicer or blender—just blend the asparagus and strain to extract the juice. Add other vegetables or fruits to improve taste and boost nutritional value.

International Berries Days (IBD) et International Asparagus Days (IAD) : Les fruits rouges mis pour la première fois à l’honneur aux côtés de l’asperge par FreshPlaza

Posted on by Lola

Soft fruit in the spotlight for the first time, alongside asparagus

From October 7th to 10th, 2025, the 5th edition of the International Asparagus Days (IAD) will be held in Bordeaux. This is a key event for professionals in the sector from all over the world who want to keep up to date with the latest technologies, production techniques, and market developments. But this year marks the start of a new chapter with the launch of the first edition of the International Berries Days (IBD). The asparagus will be sharing the limelight with these small soft fruits: two families of products that at first glance seem very different, yet complement each other in many ways.

Asparagus and soft fruit: Technical crops for the same market
“In terms of production, these are two crops that require a certain precision and a high level of technical expertise,” explains Christian Befve, founder of the two international days and partner of Macfrut and Interco Nouvelle Aquitaine. “Many asparagus producers also grow soft fruit. In terms of timing, the complementarity is also interesting, since the asparagus harvest takes place before the soft fruit harvest (except for the strawberry, which is at the junction between the two crops). All asparagus growers can start growing soft fruit, whether in the ground or above ground. There are no prerequisites in terms of soil composition. On the other hand, soft fruit growers can diversify into asparagus if they wish.”

Even in conditions of heavy soil and rocky terrain, it is possible to produce asparagus using a technique that consists of ‘growing without soil in the soil’. “All you have to do is prepare the soil to a width of 1.5 m and a depth of 80 cm, which allows it to be completely corrected. With mulching, we can then protect the mound and preserve the structure we have created.” A technique devised by Christian Befve that is proving highly effective and also has the advantage of being cheaper than growing in the ground.

Another interesting similarity is the market for both product families. “Asparagus and soft fruits are luxury products. The consumers who eat asparagus have the same purchasing power as those who eat soft fruit. Over 50% of suppliers and marketers work with both asparagus and berries. These are two highly profitable markets (which together generate US$96 billion worldwide), with consumption mainly of blueberries soaring in many countries and demand for organic produce rising sharply, especially in Europe.”

Soft fruit: A sector rich in opportunities
Although soft fruit is now only grown on 600,000 hectares around the world, the area under production continues to increase. “The development of consumption is an obvious driver of this growth, but it is also driven by varietal innovation and producers who are investing in new varieties that are more resistant and better adapted to climate change. Developing production in consumer countries is also particularly interesting, given that soft fruit is very fragile and has difficulty withstanding transport, not to mention the trend towards consumption of local products. We should not stop as long as there is a market.”

Asparagus: A market in full recovery
The same applies to berry producers who would like to start growing asparagus. “The market is currently in full recovery, and we even have a shortage of asparagus plants. History has shown us that the balance between supply and demand was reached at 250,000 hectares. Today, we have planted around 190,000 hectares, so we are 60,000 hectares short of achieving this balance. Given the shortage of asparagus, the crisis is now behind us, and we need to plant now, because we can be sure of a reasonable market for the next 10 years. This is a great opportunity for berry growers to diversify into another lucrative crop. IAD is typically the kind of event that can respond to the needs and questions of growers who want to get started.

As proof of this, I recently gave a talk on asparagus in Spain to producers who pointed out the difficulties they were having in expanding their crops because of water restrictions and labor problems. But some techniques can save water if you know how to apply them at the right time. Establishing a greater distance between rows can also significantly reduce labor requirements. At the end of the conference, the growers were aiming to plant a total of 400 hectares over the next two years. When we respond to growers’ needs by providing practical solutions and good technical support, limiting thoughts give way to the desire to embark on production with greater peace of mind. This is also one of the aims of these two international days.”

The 4-day program will include technical visits focusing on asparagus and soft fruit, as well as conferences, workshops, demonstrations, and a trade fair.

Tuesday, October 7th – Asparagus Tour (Gironde):
In the morning, participants will visit Vignobles Bouillac, a farm covering 100 ha of vineyards and 20 ha of vine nurseries, which markets 15 ha of asparagus under the PGI Asperges du Blayais label. Jean-Pierre Bouillac, the farmer, and Danielle Chambaraud, president of the Association of Asperges du Blayais producers, will be on hand for the visit. Lunch and wine tasting will be held on site. In the afternoon, participants will visit the Lebourg farm, which covers 900 hectares, including 80 hectares of turf and 49 hectares of white asparagus, as well as corn (grain and popcorn), carrots, and potatoes.

Tuesday October 7th – Soft Fruit Tour (Lot-et-Garonne):
The tour will begin with a morning visit to Pépinières Saint-Armand and Fruits Rouges du Confluent, which grow 12 ha of strawberries in greenhouses (producing 900/1000 tons of strawberries a year), 20 ha of strawberry nurseries (producing 7 million tray-plants), and 40 ha of kiwis. The morning will end with lunch, before heading off to Aquisol, a farm with 60 ha of greenhouses, including 13 ha of strawberries (800T/year), 8 ha of raspberries (230T/year), and 8 ha of blueberries (160T/year). Various technical itineraries will be presented: conventional, organic, soilless, and open-field cultivation. Alongside soft fruit, the farm also produces vegetables such as aubergines, cucumbers, peppers, lettuce, kohlrabi, spinach, and kiwis.

Wednesday and Thursday, October 8-9:
A trade fair will be held over the two days, with booths selling plant material, equipment, nurseries, services, marketing, research, and training. Technical visits and outdoor demonstrations (preparation, planting, maintenance, and harvesting equipment) will be organized during the event, with the possibility of on-site catering. Pitch sessions and technical workshops will also be run by exhibitors and sponsors in a central agora. The opening ceremony will take place at 11 am on Wednesday, and will close with a Cocktail and Show evening at the Cabaret Music-Hall “Le Grain d’Folie” at 7 pm in Artigues-près-Bordeaux.

Over the two days, participants will be able to visit Planasa: at 10 am, a presentation on strawberry research will be given, alongside a presentation on the different varieties of asparagus. At 3 pm, participants will have the opportunity to visit blueberry fields, and at 4 pm, they will discover “replanting asparagus on asparagus.”

From 3 pm to 5 pm on Thursday, there will be a conference on “Soft fruit: What innovations for tomorrow’s markets?”

Friday 10 October – Soft Fruit Tour (Dordogne):
In the morning, a visit to the Interprofessionnel Technical Center for Fruit and Vegetables in Lanxade will be organized. On this occasion, participants will discover the 190-hectare technology hall, where 52 species of fruit and vegetables are tested. Participants will also have the opportunity to visit the Invenio experimental station in the fruit and vegetable sector at Douville. Invenio is an association of fruit and vegetable growers who wish to combine their efforts in experimentation, varietal research, and technological innovation. A visit to the Douville site will provide an overview of the latest French research into strawberry and raspberry planting material and cultivation.

The afternoon will be devoted to a visit to the farm run by the Teychenné family, members of the Socave cooperative. This is an opportunity to discover traditional production in soil with the “PGI Périgord Strawberry” label, and unheated hydroponic production of remontant strawberries.

Innovations such as the Aspercut, France’s first harvesting robot, will be on display at IAD and IBD. In all, there are around ten harvesting robots in the world, which are said to have “greatly improved in performance and efficiency in recent years.” These robots “tend to be profitable,” which will inevitably have an impact on the market over the next few years.

Four days of sharing, visits, conferences, and meetings with a common objective for both events: To position ourselves as the true crossroads between research, production, technology, and marketing. The date is strategically chosen, after Fruit Attraction was held the previous week in Madrid. “This will make it easier for professionals from far away to travel to Bordeaux,” explains Christian Befve. “It is a unique opportunity to put growers in touch with marketers and suppliers, and to discover the latest technologies (bio-control, artificial intelligence, robotization…) that are gradually reorganizing the sector. Taking part in IAD and IBD is also an opportunity to understand how to adapt the corresponding cultivation techniques to the soil and climate conditions of each production site without distortion. Compliance with health and social regulations, respect for the environment, and anticipation of climate change are also key issues that will be addressed during this 4-day meeting. This really is a key event for any professional interested in growing asparagus or soft fruit.”

To register:
In English: https://iad-ibd.teamresa.net/?perslangue=en
In Spanish: https://iad-ibd.teamresa.net/?perslangue=es
In French: https://iad-ibd.teamresa.net/?&_p=A01&perslangue=fr

For more information:
Christian Befve
Befve&Co
christian@befve.com Frontpage photo: © Befve&Co

AsperCut: A breakthrough innovation giving asparagus farmers back their independence? by FreshPlaza

Posted on by Lola
Wilfried Garrigue, Sylektis: “A reliable, robust, and accessible tool built on a low-tech approach.”

AsperCut: A breakthrough innovation giving asparagus farmers back their independence?

The asparagus sector could be on the verge of a major transformation with the upcoming release of AsperCut, France’s first robotic asparagus harvester, expected next season. This project was born out of a stark realization: the shortage of agricultural labor poses one of the greatest threats to French—and more broadly, European—farming. This was particularly evident during the COVID years, when the asparagus harvest in France was seriously jeopardized. It was from this challenge that Sylektis emerged, founded by Wilfried Garrigue and Stéphane Abraham.

A low-tech philosophy for greater reliability
“Our background isn’t in agriculture but in industry, and we firmly believe that industrial robotics solutions can be adapted to agriculture,” explains Wilfried Garrigue. “We launched the project in 2020 and are now on the third version of the AsperCut prototype, which is becoming highly operational and productive.”

While AsperCut isn’t the first robot developed to automate asparagus harvesting, it marks a real technological shift compared to existing models. “Rather than reinventing everything from scratch, we focused on proven, widely used technologies from both the industrial and agricultural sectors. The machine is composed of three main elements: a custom-designed straddle tool carrier, the harvesting robot, and an AI module that detects the asparagus. This pragmatic, low-tech approach makes the machine more affordable and significantly more reliable for farmers.”

A focus on harvest quality over speed
What sets AsperCut apart is its simplicity and durability, qualities the founders prioritized to win over skeptical growers. “Farmers are often wary of robotics, which can feel overly complex, fragile, and hard to use or maintain. That’s why we avoid calling it a ‘robot’; we prefer ‘harvesting machine’. Compared to existing machines, we wanted to develop something smaller, more cost-effective, and focused on harvesting quality rather than speed,” Garrigue explains. “Our machine measures 4 meters long, 2.5 meters wide and high, and weighs 3.5 tons. We’ve deliberately chosen to stop the machine when harvesting rather than moving continuously—this would require much more complex and less reliable robotics. By stopping, we ensure a cleaner, more efficient harvest. The machine can cut the asparagus in a single motion—something that’s not easily achieved by hand—and avoids pinching or damaging the spears, thereby preserving quality. We’ve also developed and patented a tool that can harvest even slightly twisted asparagus, greatly reducing harvest variability.”

Designed for moderate production areas of 2 to 4 hectares, the strategy is to sell several small machines rather than a single large one. This approach adapts easily to various farm sizes and ensures that farmers aren’t left stuck if one machine fails.

Autonomous operation powered by smart AI detection
The AsperCut operates autonomously along asparagus beds using a 3D AI-based detection system that pinpoints the exact position of each spear. “We’re at a turning point in terms of available technology,” Garrigue notes. “Cameras and computers have become far more accessible, which has allowed us to integrate this tech into our machines. Going fully electric would have been a step too far for now, but our priority is solving the harvesting challenge. The machine navigates rows on its own, detects asparagus, stops to harvest, and places the spears in a crate. Once a row is complete, it halts for an operator to collect the crates and reposition them to the next row. This process ensures asparagus isn’t left in the crates too long post-harvest. It’s a hybrid machine powered by electricity with an onboard generator for full autonomy.”

Designed for both white and green asparagus
Though the original focus was on white asparagus, Sylektis is pushing further, developing a solution for green asparagus as well. “Our vision is a modular harvesting platform that can accommodate up to two robots—one for white asparagus at the front and one for green at the back. Or even two of each for larger operations. We’re collaborating with Fanuc, the world leader in industrial robotics, to develop the green asparagus harvesting module.”

Tackling the labor crisis with a competitive edge
“The core issue today in agriculture is labor. Unlike tilling or weeding, harvesting remains a manual task, but we simply don’t have the workforce anymore. These jobs are tough and increasingly unattractive. Since harvesting is also the phase that adds the most value to the crop, AsperCut has strong potential for return on investment. With Maxime Pallin, a farmer in France’s Médoc region who has helped test our prototype for the past three years, we’ve identified the performance goals needed to meet both technical and economic demands. The 2025 season will be key to confirming those targets and launching commercial sales.”

Boosting local capacity and reducing imports through autonomy
Although harvesting costs are important, the main goal isn’t necessarily to be cheaper than seasonal labor. “The real aim is to address the labor shortage and ensure that farmers can harvest their crops. Today, 50% of asparagus is imported, and many farmers tell us they would plant and harvest more if only they had the manpower. With AsperCut, we want to empower growers to expand local production, reduce dependence on imports, and make asparagus farming more sustainable. It’s a long-term investment with environmental and economic benefits. With a plantation lasting ten years, AsperCut removes the uncertainty around labor availability for the entire lifespan of the crop. In that sense, it’s a true breakthrough innovation.”

A commitment to supporting farmers in France and beyond
As AsperCut nears industrial production, Garrigue and Abraham are approaching the next phase of their journey with confidence and ambition. “We’re proud to be the first to design and build a French-made harvesting machine. France Relance 2030 has supported us from the beginning, and we’re currently fundraising to support industrialization.

We plan to start selling the first units this year, with pre-production delivery set for 2026. Our machines will be distributed through local tractor dealers to ensure ongoing support and maintenance. Labor challenges aren’t unique to France, and we aim to bring AsperCut to farmers across Europe—and possibly further.

We’re also exploring adaptations for other crops facing the same issues, like grape harvesting. Agriculture is at risk: if we can’t harvest, we’re handing over our food sovereignty. We believe AsperCut offers a real solution, and we’re fully committed to helping farmers make this transition.”

For more information:
Wilfried Garrigue
Sylektis
wilfried.garrigue@sylektis.com

 

Limgroup’s Stefan Pohl about the asparagus sector developments: “Late segment asparagus varieties are on the rise” by FreshPlaza

Posted on by Lola
Limgroup’s Stefan Pohl about the asparagus sector developments:

“Late segment asparagus varieties are on the rise”

Rising costs and tough sales: Many know the European asparagus sector has had a difficult few years. Things, however, seem to be looking up for this queen among vegetables. Sales still peak in the first half of the season, but the period between Pentecost and the traditional end of the season on June 24 appears to be doing better. Late-segment varieties, though, are few and far between. Limgroup, a breeding company, wants to change that with its new Mosalim variety, reports Product Manager Stefan Pohl.
Stefan Pohl at expoSE 2023, where he officially introduced the new late variety, Mosalim

It took about 12 years from this late segment variety’s initial crossbreeding to its actual market introduction. The main goal was to develop a modern alternative to the long-recognized Backlim variety for the last phase of the asparagus season. “Mosalim retains its great tip closure even at higher temperatures,” begins Stefan. “It’s also excellently suited for mechanized harvesting and a longer harvesting program.”

“From the grower’s perspective, the variety has overall good foliage health and yields throughout harvesting. These parameters all benefit the variety. Mosalim should, thus, make a name for itself in various cultivation areas in the coming years,” the product manager says. “It should also gain a good market position. Backlim can, however, remain the standard variety in asparagus cultivation.”

Mosalim is grown in almost all the major asparagus-growing regions in Germany and some in the Netherlands. Last year saw the first plantings in that country, but it has been planted on a particularly large scale this year. “We realized there are many medium-late asparagus varieties, but only a few very late ones. That means there’s demand for good, high-yield late varieties everywhere, not just in Germany and the Netherlands,” says Stefan.

This year, the first of these asparagus will be planted in Austria and Switzerland, too

The early segment is not necessarily more lucrative, sales-wise either. “The season has been increasingly brought forward over the years, pushing up early asparagus cultivation costs. That’s mainly due to high labor and plastic costs. Because of rising minimum wages, this problem will only grow. And on the sales side, there’s a certain threshold regarding prices we cannot exceed. That makes it harder and harder for many growers to make any decent money for early crops.”

 

“But, that increases the interest in the late segment as many growers recognize that achieving good yields in the season’s last three to four weeks is worthwhile. Demand is admittedly relatively low during that time compared to the first part of the season, but so is supply. Available products are, thus, generally easier to sell. We want to offer growers a good variety with Mosalim, so they have high-quality products available until the very last day of the season,” Stefan continues.

Asparagus sector confident about the future
According to Pohl, the mood in the sector is currently quite positive. “In many areas, older fields are being rejuvenated to meet current standards. That’s true for the plant market, too, which is completely sold out. That’s, no doubt, a good sign.” However, the latest figures show that the number of asparagus farms is decreasing in certain regions. “We think the decisive factor is the sales structure. I’m sure those with a good, stable sales structure will keep prospering in the future,” he says.

“Others who don’t have that will have to give up, sooner or later. The rising minimum wage remains a constant challenge, though. Labor costs make up around 60% of asparagus cultivation costs. Still, I doubt we can say the entire sector is suffering. Innovative companies look for solutions, while others see problems. If we consider the acreage throughout Germany, it’s still one of the fastest-growing countries in Europe, even the world. In that respect, I don’t believe the current change is alarming for the sector at this point,” Stefan reckons.

Green asparagus keeps gaining ground
Alongside the still dominant white asparagus, its green cousin is undeniably gaining ground. “It currently has a market share of roughly 10-12%, and its upward trend continues. On the one hand, some companies specialize in green asparagus; on the other, some are still skeptical about this crop. Basically, however, green asparagus has become a staple for most cultivation companies.”

The Limgroup has been offering the Xenolim variety specifically for the green asparagus sector for several years now. “This variety’s main advantage is that it’s an anthocyanin-free plant, which means it doesn’t discolor. Growers can use that to stand out from imported trade, which gives them a clear competitive advantage regarding sales. Xenolim is a medium-late variety. Looking ahead, we aim to breed a late green asparagus to offer the entire spectrum,” Stefan concludes.

This article was previously published in Primeur May 2025. Click here for the link to the entire edition

For more information:
Stefan Pohl
Limgroup
Asparagus Product Manager
Tel: +49 (0)15 225 667 125
spohl@limgroup.eu
www.limgroup.eu