As a result of the rainy summer weather in France, the harvest is complicated for tomatoes and zucchinis, as those plants have been weakened. For the growers, the loss of income is significant.
At the height of the season, Louis Thomassin, a grower in Puiseux-Pontoise (Val-d'Oise), is three weeks behind in his tomato production. Between the rain, cool weather, and mildew, his fruit has suffered particularly. "Over the month of August, compared to last year, we harvest about 5 tons of tomatoes less, just for this greenhouse", he details.
Fall vegetables already here
On this 43-hectare farm, customers pick their own fruit and vegetables. It is also difficult for them to pick ripe tomatoes. As a result, the price of tomatoes is skyrocketing, and that of zucchini might soon follow since production is down 20%. On the other hand, the bad weather has benefited the autumn vegetables: cabbages, leeks, pumpkins, and eggplants are already there, in quantity. Farmers are hoping for the return of good weather and warmth to make up for the dull summer.