Fruits and Vegetables: Intensive Innovation

French fruit and vegetable production concentrates in specific regions—apples in the Loire Valley, tomatoes in Brittany, melons in Provence. The sector exemplifies intensive agriculture's evolution, with high-tech greenhouses, hydroponic systems, and year-round production competing with traditional seasonal farming.

The Brittany Model

Brittany produces 70% of France's tomatoes using sophisticated greenhouse systems. These operations represent significant capital investment but achieve remarkable productivity:

- Climate-controlled environments optimize growth conditions - Biological pest control reduces pesticide use - Hydroponic systems conserve water and nutrients - Automated harvesting and packing systems reduce labor costs - Direct contracts with retailers ensure stable prices

Yet not all embrace this model. The rise of farmers' markets and local food movements creates opportunities for smaller producers focusing on variety, flavor, and seasonal production.