The French tomato acreage decreased this year by 3% (2,325 HA) compared to 2012. This is according to figures published by the French ministry of Agriculture. Especially in the south-east (-5%/2012, the area is now 901 HA) and the south-west
(-5%/2012, 290 HA) the decrease in area is noticeable. In the west of France the tomato area remained the same with 915 HA. Here the glasshouse production increases all the time, although the expected production for this year is the same as last year, when the yield (559,500 tons) was influenced by bad weather conditions. Prices are also close to those of 2012.
The tomato season started in February, but because of shortage of strong light, production did not increase very much during the last few weeks. It is expected that this will happen during the coming period.