Max Bauer: 'There is no question of abandoning Var producers'
On October 15 in Hyères, Max Bauer took part in the VAL'HOR general assembly at La Font des Horts as president of one of the production colleges.
On October 15 at the village club - La Font des Horts in Hyères, Max Bauer participated in the general assembly of the VAL'HOR interprofession as president of one of the production colleges. VAL'HOR is an interprofessional organization that brings together and represents the plant sector's forces, from upstream to downstream of the French horticultural sector. In 2024, professional representatives from the production (trade and landscape) colleges worked on VAL'HOR's strategic project for the next three years, with three identified ambitions for the sector: attractiveness, competitiveness, and corporate social responsibility.
'The plant sector represents a major economic sector in the regions, with 202,400 plant professionals within 45,885 companies, generating €15.3 billion in turnover,' explains Max Bauer.
MARKET VISIT At the crack of dawn, the day began with a visit to the SICA market, and then continued with an explanation of clock auction sales. Thus, the first anemones were auctioned off. The day went on with a presentation of SICA, in the presence of Marc Long, president of the market, and Jean Claude Wigs, president of Florisud.
This segment allowed for exchanges on the challenges facing the cut flower sector.
Speakers highlighted proposed solutions for its future in the Hyères and even Var basins. 'Indeed, for 25 years, producers have committed through Hortisud to producing a quality flower with a selection of varieties, growing practices, and specifications tailored to each species, etc. There are daily quality controls before sale and vase-life tests.'
'Not to mention an annual audit by an independent firm to ensure the reliability of the controls,' recalls the former president of the Coordination Rurale of Var.
Led by President Florent Moreau, the general assembly brought together delegates from the professional sectors as well as industry partners. 'It provided an opportunity to review a year rich in actions and to outline future prospects, meeting the three ambitions of the interprofession's strategic project: attractiveness of careers, competitiveness of businesses, and environmental issues,' welcomes Max Bauer. Afterwards, there was a visit to a potted plant production facility belonging to Dynavert, a company committed to sustainable development and holding numerous certifications and quality labels (Fleurs de France, MPS, Plante Bleue).
The company offers a wide range of flowering and Mediterranean plants.
SECTOR PROBLEMS During this day, Max Bauer pointed out the major problems of the sector: lack of remunerative prices, accumulation of constraints, distortions of competition within and outside the EU, a glaring lack of phytosanitary solutions, increased environmental measures, and administrative complexities. He analyzed the situation: 'In 2013, during the Var horticultural convention, the profession hoped for a strong signal and rapid, effective solutions to a situation that was becoming increasingly critical. Today, I am extremely skeptical about the request from the Ministry of Agriculture.'
The interprofession is going to work on a sovereignty plan for cut flowers. But 85% of the cut flowers we buy from our florists come from imports. This mirrors the sovereignty of the fruit and vegetable sector.
'In reality, we are dealing with buzzwords and semantics.'
He continued: 'I can understand a global vision for the national territory, but wasting time is out of the question! Especially since we can provide pragmatic solutions, such as phytosanitary products, with the possibility of using market gardening products on flowers since we do not consume them! This is a proposal I have been defending and championing for years.'
'I even spoke to President Emmanuel Macron about it. For me, abandoning Var producers is unthinkable. My commitment remains steadfast and straightforward in my current efforts to defend agriculture.'
Photos Marché aux Fleurs - SICA.
Photos Marché aux Fleurs - SICA.