Sugar beet is grown to produce alcohol, pulp and sugar. In France it is cultivated mainly in the north of the Loire. Meeting here with beet growers, as at the farm of Moucherelle, in Seine et Marne, where in 1954 the grubbing up was still carried out manually.
[Source France 3 Regions]: Since Saturday, September 1st, 5 neonicotinoids, killer pesticides of bees, are prohibited in France. Environmental advocates welcome the news but beet growers are worried and beekeepers are not satisfied. This beet fields could soon disappear. The end of the use of some neonicotinoids leaves many farmers without effective alternatives. A decision that goes wrong. Especially since bees do not forage on these plants harvested before flowering. Alexis Hache, farmer, explains that the consequence for the crop is 12% less yields. If the decision makes sense for the cultivation of rapeseed or corn, beet growers hope to obtain, like other countries, derogations to save their sector. Alexis Hache indicates that the decision was taken without consultation on the specifics of beetroot, there is a total misunderstanding. On the beekeepers' side, the decision is welcomed. But here too, questions remain. The Asian hornets, like the parasite Varroa, would be threats at least as important as these insecticides. Guillaume Lecat explains that different factors weaken the bee combined with other factors, this causes collapses; varroa is not taken seriously. The ban on neonicotinoids, while useful, alone will not solve the mortality phenomenon. This beekeeper hopes for a global awareness and more investment in training.
The European Union has voted to ban the use of three main neonicotinoid pesticides. In Picardy, this decision worries beet growers. Guillaume GANDON, a farmer, talks about his use of neonicotinoid-coated seeds. Interview with Emmanuel PIGEON, director of the Hauts-de-France beet unions.
In Champagne Ardennes, the beet growing season starts this year late. However, the producers are calm, the harvest will be good. Report in Pomacle in the Marne. Testimonials from François FLOQUET, farmer and William HUET, head of the Cristal Union beet service in Bazancourt.
Good vintage for beetroot this year. The proportion of sugar in the plant is excellent. In the Pas-de-Calais we are delighted with this good harvest. Patrick DELFOLIE, farmer in Guémappe, testifies to the quality of the beets. Alain HAUROU-PATOU, director of the sugar factory of Boiry Ste Rictrude evokes the large quantity of beets treated.